Poultry is a staple protein source for millions of South Africans, however, it can potentially be host to a range of pathogens that cause severe food poisoning if it is not adequately stored and transported. As a result, the poultry and retail industries continue to place a greater emphasis on quality control throughout the entire supply chain. One of the most effective ways to minimise the risk in the supply chain is to ensure that the cold chain is not broken. This will ensure that the product reaches the retailer in good quality, but shelf-life remains an issue as the fresh product will start showing discolouration after a few days.

This challenge, which places the retailer at tremendous risk, can be overcome using modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) gases that prolong food shelf-life safely and economically. Afrox has developed an extensive range of MAP gases for the food industry, called FoodFresh™. FoodFresh™ fulfils the requirements of quality assurance, hygiene and freshness demanded by the food industry, and assists customers in complying with strict food standards legislation in packaging, storage and distribution. From fresh fruit, meat, poultry, fish and salads, to dairy, baked goods and prepared ready meals, there is a FoodFresh™ product available that will extend the shelf-life of all packaged fresh products from days to weeks.

“FoodFresh™ is all about saving on losses due to spoilage, while preserving the fresh, natural goodness of the food,” says Andisha Dukkaen, Product Manager, Scientific & Helium, Special Products & Chemicals at Afrox.  “No preservatives are required, as the MAP atmosphere protects the food against the specific spoilage mechanism typical to each type of packaged product. By excluding ambient air that promotes oxidation, mould or bacterial growth, the food is protected from spoilage, while maintaining the natural colour and flavour expected by consumers.”

The component gases in MAP are carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen, which contribute different preservation benefits. These are all present in the air that we breathe and are 100 percent natural. The success of FoodFresh™ MAP lies in using the correct combination of these gases to inhibit deterioration of each specific type of food by using knowledge of the mechanism of deterioration.

Carbon dioxide is bacteriostatic and fungistatic, which means that it retards the growth of mould and aerobic bacteria, while nitrogen is used to displace oxygen where aerobic mechanisms dominate. It is also used as an inert filler gas to prevent pack collapse. As consumers continue to become more health conscious and mindful of wastage, the demand for FoodFresh™ MAP will continue to increase steadily into the foreseeable future.

If required, tailor-made FoodFresh™ mixtures can be prepared to meet specific needs. These are supplied in dedicated high capacity, high pressure steel cylinders, with a certificate of compliance to guarantee quality. With over 80 outlets across the country and a comprehensive nationwide delivery service, Afrox has the supply option to best suit your needs.

For assistance with choosing the perfect product for your application, contact your nearest Afrox branch, or our national Customer Service Centre on 0860 02 02 02 and ask for Special Products.