INFLUENCE OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON SHELF-LIFE OF CHICKEN CARCASSES UNDER REFRIGERATED STORAGE-CONDITIONS

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (70% CO2/30% N-2; 30 % CO2/70% N-2) on the shelf-life of fresh chicken carcasses stored at 2, 4, 7 and 9C was investigated. The shelf-lives of MAP carcasses (70% CO2/30%N-2) stored at 2, 4, 7 and 9C were 25, 21, 12 and 8 days, resp ectively compared with 7 days for air-packaged ones stored at 4C; the shelf-life of MAP carcasses (30% CO2/70%N-2) stored at the same temper atures were 20, 15, 8 and 8 days, respectively. The inhibitory effect of MAP on the growth of Enterobacteriaceae and on the production of sp oilage metabolites, such as free fatty acids and extract release volum e, was negligible at higher temperatures (7 and 9C) and more pronounce d at lower temperatures (2 and 4C), especially at higher concentration s of CO2 (70% CO2/30% N-2). The occurrence and growth of organisms suc h as Escherichia coli, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella an d Campylobacter in carcasses stored at different temperatures were als o documented.