SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING MEAT PRODUCTS IN LOW OXYGEN ENVIRONMENT

摘要

A tray (10) for packaging meat product at a centralized meat packaging facility and transporting the package meat product in a low oxygen environme nt to a retail point of sale. Centralized packaging of meat products for distribution to remote retail establishments requires techniques to prolong the shelf life of the meat product. Trays according to certain embodiments o f the present invention have side walls terminating in a lip (25) and a downturned flange (26). A notch (31) is formed in the flange (26) adjacent t o a groove (30) formed in the lip (25) of the tray. The meat is placed in the tray (10) at the centralized meat packaging facility and sealed with a film having perforations (53). The packaged meat is transported to the retail establishment in a low oxygen environment. Once the packaged meat reaches th e retail establishment, it may be exposed to atmospheric oxygen which passes through the perforations (53) of the film, the notch (31), and the groove (3 0) causing the meat product to turn red, which is desirable to consumers.