Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a technique used for prolonging the shelf life of fresh or minimally processed foods. In this preservation technique the air surrounding the food in the package is changed to another composition, often by first vacuuming the air out and then injecting a gas. This way the initial fresh state of the product may be prolonged. It is the shelf life of perishable products like meat, fish, fruits and vegetables that will be prolonged with MAP since it slows the natural deterioration of the product. MAP is used with various types of products, where the mixture of gases in the package depends on the type of product, packaging materials and storage temperature. When you are producing a MAP product you need a quality way to KNOW the correct gas levels are being achieved.The Bridge MAP portable gas analyzers are used to measure the modified atmosphere gas levels inside product packages. Oxygen, CO2, or CO/CO2/Oxygen gas levels are measured using a sample needle inserted into the package headspace. Sample is drawn for an operator settable sample time through a sample line, measured and readings are held on the display until the next sample cycle is called by the operator. Bridge analyzers may be operated off line power, or by an internal battery pack that provides up to 6-8 hours standalone operation (16 hour battery power is available as an option.)
