MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGE WITH ACCELERATED REDUCTION OF OXYGEN LEVEL IN MEAT COMPARTMENT

摘要

A modified atmosphere package (10) includes first and second compartments separated by a partition member that is substantially permeable to oxygen. The first compartment contains an oxygen scavenger (28) activated with an oxygen scavenger accelerator. The second compartment contains a retail cut of raw meat (26). Various techniques are employed to rapidly reduce the oxygen level in the second compartment below pigment sensitive levels so that the growth of metmyoglobin is inhibited. Some of these techniques increase the flow of oxygen from the second compartment to the first compartment through the partition member, while other techniques directly absorb oxygen within the second compartment.