Antimicrobial (BN/PE) film combined with modified atmosphere packaging extends the shelf life of minimally processed fresh-cut iceberg lettuce.
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.
Kang
Sun-Chul
SC
Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Kyungsan 712-714, Korea.
Kim
Min-Jeong
MJ
Park
In-Sik
IS
Choi
Ung-Kyu
UK
D000388:Air / Q000032:analysis*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005519:Food Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D018545:Lactuca; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D020959:Polyethylene