Antimicrobial (BN/PE) film combined with modified atmosphere packaging extends the shelf life of minimally processed fresh-cut iceberg lettuce

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2008 Mar;18(3):568-72.

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with BN/PE film on the shelf life and quality of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce during cold storage. The total mesophilic population in the sample packed in BN/PE film under MAP conditions was dramatically reduced in comparison with that of PE film, PE film under MAP conditions, and BN/PE film. The O2 concentration in the BN/PE film under MAP conditions decreased slightly as the storage period progressed. The coloration of the iceberg lettuce progressed the slowest when it was packaged in BN/PE film under MAP conditions, followed by BN/PE film, PE film, and PE film under MAP conditions. The shelf life of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce packaged in the BN/PE film under MAP conditions was extended by more than 2 days at 10 degrees as compared with that of the BN/PE film in which the extension effect was more than 2 days longer than that of PE, PET, and OPP films.

MeSH terms

  • Air / analysis*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Food Microbiology
  • Food Preservation / methods*
  • Lactuca*
  • Polyethylene / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Polyethylene