Active packaging technology to retain storage quality of pear cv. “Bartlett” during shelf-life periods under ambient holding after periodic cold storage

Response of “Bartlett” pears harvested at commercial maturity (104.29-N firmness and 3.15 starch iodine rating) to various active packaging conditions using O₂ (Fe powder) and ethylene (KMnO₄) scavenger sachets in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film bags (25.4 and 50.8 μm), cold storage (2 ± 1°C with 95 ± 2%), and shelf-life holding periods under ambient conditions (24 ± 3°C; 68 ± 5% relative humidity [RH]) was recorded as changes in physic chemical parameters. The fruits were packed in 25.4- and 50.8-μm LDPE film bags containing 5%, 10%, and 15% Fe and KMnO₄ powder incorporated on silica as inert carrier in form of sachets. After packaging the fruits airtight in film bags, they were placed in corrugated fiber board (CFB) boxes (29 × 23 × 14 cm; L × B × H). Fruits packed in 50.8-μm LDPE film bags with sachets containing 15% Fe powder recorded maximum fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid with minimum spoilage, weight loss (physiological loss of weight [PLW]), pectin methylesterase (PME), polygalacturonase (PG) activity, and respiration rate and increase in fruit calcium content and highest level of overall acceptability (color, taste, aroma, and texture) after periodic cold storage and ambient shelf-life periods. The effect of different treatments was compared by post hoc analysis using Tukey's test, which also revealed significant differences among different treatments. Our findings also revealed that pear fruit retains edible quality until fruit firmness > 30.89 N, TSS > 10.0%, and weight loss < 9.00%.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Guava Fruit

Fully matured fresh guava fruits (Lucknow‐49) were precooled at 10 °C for 1 h and pretreated with 500‐ppm benomyl for 5 min. The fruits were packed in 25‐µm and 50‐µm LDPE bags with active modified atmosphere packaging of 3% O₂ + 5% CO₂, 6% O₂ + 5% CO₂ and 9% O₂ + 5% CO₂ gas concentrations and stored at 5 ± 1 °C and 10 ± 1 °C temperatures as well as non‐packaged as control. The shelf life of guava could be increased up to 42 days by packaging in 50‐µm LDPE bags with a gas concentration of 9% O₂ + 5% CO₂ and stored at 10 °C without much change in physical, biochemical and sensory characteristics. Physico‐chemical changes viz., PLW, pulp to peel ratio, firmness, TSS, total sugar, ascorbic acid and titratable acidity were observed minimum for fruits packed in 50‐µm LDPE bags at 3% O₂ + 5% CO₂ gas concentration at 5 °C storage temperature, but sensory score decreased drastically after 21 days of storage. Chilling injury was observed for the fruits packed at 5 °C storage temperature after 21 days of storage, and it was severe in 25‐µm LDPE bag at later stage. Control fruits over‐ripened with the highest weight loss (12.47%) on 6 days of storage and discarded from the storage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of packaging film on the quality of ‘Chaoyang’ honey peach fruit in modified atmosphere packages

The quality of honey peach fruit stored at 2°C in modified atmosphere packages was studied. Three different thickness low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films were used as packaging films. Honey peach fruits of ‘chaoyang’ were packaged in LDPE bags 15, 25 and 40µm thick and control (air). The respiration rate, O₂ and CO₂ concentrations in the packages, flesh colour, total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), flesh firmness (FF) and membrane integrity of the fruits were monitored. Compared to the control, MAP treatments inhibited the climacteric peak, avoided the increase of flesh colour, decreased the development of softness and retarded the reduction of TTS, TA and membrane integrity. Significant differences in the quality of the fruits were found between the three packages and the control (p ≤ 0.05). After 20 days at 2°C within the LDPE25 bags, a steady‐state atmosphere of 5% CO₂ + 4% O₂ was reached. Honey peaches stored in these bags showed the best quality at the end of the storage. Copyright copy; 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Combined effects of hot water treatment (HWT) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality of tomatoes

Effects of hot water treatment (HWT) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality of tomatoes were studied. Prior to packaging with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film (0.02 mm in thickness), tomatoes were immersed in hot water (42.5°C) for 30 min. Control tomatoes were not treated and were stored for 2 weeks at 10°C and then for 3 days at 20°C without packaging. Steady states of O₂ and CO₂ concentrations inside the package were about 5 and 8%, respectively, and were reached after 6 and 4 days of storage, respectively. MAP reduced weight loss of tomatoes to about 41% of that of unpackaged fruit during a 2‐week storage period. The use of a combination of HWT and MAP reduced weight loss and decay, inhibited color development and maintained firmness of tomatoes but had no effect on soluble solids content or titratable acidity. HWT slightly reduced mold growth of tomatoes stored in MAP. Packaging of control fruit in MAP resulted in stimulation of mold growth around the stem end of the fruit after about 1 week of storage and also resulted in cracking and decay. HWT could be used as disinfectant for tomatoes prior to storage in MAP in order to reduce microbial growth, cracking and decay that may be caused by excessive water vapor inside the package. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of Various Packaging Films for Mango Export

This study compared the effects of the use of various types of packaging films in maintaining quality, preserving bioactive compounds and extending shelf life of the ‘Nam Dok Mai’ mango. The principal techniques for maintaining the quality of mangoes are based on modified atmosphere packaging using highly gas‐permeable films and an ethylene‐removing mechanism. The films studied were non‐perforated highly gas‐permeable film, non‐perforated ethylene‐absorbing highly gas‐permeable film (HNPE), micro‐perforated highly gas‐permeable films (HMP) and common non‐perforated polyethylene film (LNP). These films were compared with non‐packaging treatment, which served as a control (C). Gas composition (O₂, CO₂ and C₂H₄) in the package headspace was monitored during storage at 12°C. The quality of mangoes were assessed by weight loss, colour (L* a* b*), texture, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenolics, total flavonoids, ethanol concentration and sensory quality. Equilibrium‐modified atmospheres of 5 kPaO₂ + 5 kPaCO₂ and 4 kPaO₂ + 5 kPaCO₂ were achieved in the non‐perforated highly gas‐permeable film and HNPE packs, respectively. Carbon dioxide accumulation was observed in the HMP and LNP packs where CO₂ reached 17 and 10 kPa, respectively, after storage for 10 days. The shelf life of mangoes was extended to 40 days with HNPE, 35 days with HNP, and 30 days with HMP, as compared with 20 days with control and 5 days with LNP. HNPE, the film incorporated with fine particles of mordenite framework inverted‐type zeolite with ethylene‐absorbing ability, could further extend the shelf life of mangoes in addition to modified atmosphere packaging alone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

胺基载体选择性渗透膜对西兰花品质的影响

目的研究自制胺基载体选择性渗透膜对西兰花品质的影响。方法以自制选择性渗透膜为包装材料,纯LDPE薄膜处理、硅藻土改性基膜处理、自然放置为对照,于室温密封储存,定期测定各种包装材料内西兰花的品质变化。根据贮存期间各包装材料内西兰花的质量损失率、色差、可溶性固形物含量、硬度、褐变度、维生素C含量等各项指标的变化来评价所制备选择性渗透膜的保鲜性能。结果贮存9 d后,自制选择性渗透膜包装内西兰花的质量损失率、色差、可溶性固形物含量、硬度、褐变度、维生素C含量等指标均高于纯LDPE薄膜、基膜和自然放置对照组,但褐变度低于对照组。结论自制选择性渗透膜能够通过调节包装中CO_2和O_2的选择性渗透,有效控制果蔬呼吸速率,以达到延长储存期的目的。     

超市蔬菜用阻光包装膜的研究

为了减小超市灯光中紫外线对包装鲜切西兰花的货架寿命的影响,采用LDPE与紫外线吸收剂UV-531共混的方法制备选择性阻光薄膜,UV-531所占质量分数分别为0,0.1%,0.3%和0.5%。使用制备的4种薄膜和超市现用LLDPE保鲜膜包装鲜切西兰花,置于超市用灯光下进行保鲜研究。结果表明:添加紫外线吸收剂的LDPE薄膜的透光率随着紫外线吸收剂添加量的增加而降低;在室温(29+1)℃条件下,添加紫外线吸收剂的LDPE薄膜对鲜切西兰花的保鲜效果均好于超市现用LLDPE保鲜膜;其中添加量为0.3%时能够更好地保护鲜切西兰花的叶绿素和水分,保鲜效果最好。     

Effects of Packaging and Preservation Treatments on the Shelf Life of Murtilla Fruit (Ugni molinae Turcz) in Cold Storage

Murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz) fruit has a unique aroma; along with its pleasant sweet flavour, this has stimulated its commercial development in international markets. This development, however, requires the application of suitable conservation methods. Five different packaging treatments for murtilla fruit (Red Pearl‐INIA variety) conservation were evaluated at 0 °C for 60 days. The treatments consisted of two types of packaging [polyethylene terephthalate (PET) punnets and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) bags] and the application of an edible coating of carboxymethyl cellulose to the fruits. The incorporation of the aqueous extracts of murtilla leaves from the 18‐1 and 27‐1 ecotypes into the carboxymethyl cellulose edible coating was also evaluated for its antimicrobial effects. There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the moisture content, a significant weight loss and an increase in soluble solids when the murtilla fruit was packed only in a PET punnet. However, with the other four treatments, in which an LDPE bag and edible coating were used, the moisture content (76.8–74.4 g/100 g) and soluble solids (15.6–17.8 ºBrix) in the fruit remained stable during storage. Low weight loss (1.64–2.25%) occurred in the fruits that received treatments with the LDPE bag and edible coating. Under experimental conditions and from operational facilities, packaging in PET punnets with an LDPE bag was the best alternative to preserve the murtilla fruit at 0 °C for 60 days. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of hinokitiol impregnated sheets on shelf life and quality of “KEK‐1” tomatoes during storage

Hinokitiol (β‐thujaplicin, volatile oil extracted from the wood of Hiba arborvitae [Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae], cypress family) is a natural preservative, antimicrobial, and chelating agent, used to prevent decay and extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. In the present study, we used nonwoven rayon sheets impregnated with hinokitiol to conduct packaging studies. Mature green tomatoes var. “KEK‐1” were packaged under three packaging conditions, ie, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), MAP + hinokitiol (MH), and perforated film package (as control), and their quality attributes were compared during storage. The packaging materials used were low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film (40 μm) and fresh sheets of nonwoven rayon impregnated with hinokitiol. O₂ in the MAP packaged tomatoes were retained throughout the storage period (3% to 5% O₂). Results showed that MH had slightly improved quality attributes throughout the storage period when compared with MAP alone. Expression levels of LeACS, LeADH, and LeTBG4 genes were higher in 5 and 9 days of control when compared with MAP and MH. “KEK‐1” tomatoes had longer shelf life under MAP and MH packaging and maintained the quality at 15°C. Hence, the effect of the MAP with bioactive packaging treatments could be effective in the future application for the extension of shelf life and quality of fruits and vegetables.     

The Applications of ‘active packaging and chlorine dioxide’ for extended shelf life of fresh strawberries

Fresh strawberries are highly perishable because of their high respiration rates. Three alternative packaging approaches were investigated to maintain the high quality and to extend the shelf life of strawberries. These were active packaging using chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) and ethylene‐moisture sachets. The quality properties of four groups of samples were measured over 3 weeks at 4°C. The groups were: control, active packaging without ClO₂ treatment, active packaging with low‐dose (5 ppm) ClO₂ treatment and active packaging with high‐dose (10 ppm) ClO₂ treatment. Measured properties were weight loss, gas concentration, pH, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content, texture profile and colour. Active packaging with low‐dose (5 ppm) ClO₂ treatment was found to be the most effective for TA retention and for maintaining (L) brightness values. The control group showed the largest total soluble solids reduction from 7.60 to 6.57. Active packaging without ClO₂ treatment showed the lowest weight loss (0.33%), while the control group showed the highest (1.86%) at the end of the storage. Active packaging with high‐dose ClO₂ treatment showed the highest preference value in global appearance, colour and firmness properties. The low‐ and high‐dose active packaging groups had greater firmness, gumminess and chewiness than that of all other treatments. The results from this study showed that active packaging treatment with ClO₂ and the ethylene‐moisture sachets had a beneficial effect on the quality of strawberries and could be used commercially. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effectiveness of hexamethylenetetramine‐incorporated plastic for the active packaging of foods

The feasibility of LDPE films containing 0.2 or 0.5% (w/w) hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) as antimicrobial packaging material to inhibit microbial growth on the surface of foods was investigated. As HMT is allowed in Europe to be used as a preservative under certain conditions, and as it is mentioned on the list of additives notified to the European Commission as substances which may be used in plastics intended in contact with food products, this compound offers good opportunities for the manufacturing of an antimicrobial packaging material. In a first experiment, fresh orange juice was vacuum packaged in LDPE films containing 0, 0.2 and 0.5% (w/w) HMT and stored at 6°C for 39 days. Every day and later every 3 days, packages of orange juice were analysed for yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. The shelf‐life of orange juice, could not be prolonged significantly by packaging into a 0.2% or 0.5% (w/w) HMT‐containing film. In a second experiment, however, packaging of cooked ham in a 0.5% (w/w) containing LDPE film, significantly affected shelf‐life. After 20 days a significant reduction of total aerobic count and lactic acid bacteria was observed. In an additional migration test, it became clear that the level of HMT released into orange juice was close to the specific migration limit of 15 mg CH₂O/kg imposed by the EC. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of an active polylactic acid (PLA) packaging film by adding bleached bagasse carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCB) for mango storage life extension

This study aimed to determine the properties of a new active packaging film in order to extend the storage life of fresh mangoes by packing “Nam Dok Mai” mangoes (Mangifera indica Linn) with an active packaging film composed of biodegradable polymer and cellulose derivatives. A new packaging bag was produced primarily by blending polylactic acid (PLA) with spray‐dried carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) from bleached bagasse (CMC_B) at various concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% w/w). The film thickness of the PLA and PLA/CMC_B bags was 75 μm. Unpacked mangoes were used as control before the packaged ones were stored at export conditions (13 ± 1°C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity [RH]) to evaluate the efficiency of the PLA/CMC_B film. Mango respiration and ethylene production rate were measured periodically in a packaging atmosphere as an indicator of ripeness. Changing fruit physio‐chemistry parameters were also studied, including weight loss, peel and flesh colour, firmness, total soluble solid (TSS), and total acidity (TA). The capacity of PLA/CMC_B packaging to absorb water vapour and prolong mango shelf life was demonstrated, and active packaging function by control of RH was also demonstrated. The absorption of PLA/CMC_B packaging was increased dramatically at 4% (w/w) CMC_B mixed with PLA. At this CMC_B concentration, the packaging film could extend the shelf life of mangoes for 42 days in export condition as well as decrease the physio‐chemistry parameters and respiratory rate, which were significantly enhanced when compared with those of control mangoes or unpacked mangoes (P ≤ 0.05), which had a shelf life of approximately 3 weeks.     

可释放SO2保鲜包装袋在荔枝保鲜中的应用

目的为了延长荔枝在常温下的货架期。方法制备一种具有3层结构的可持续释放SO2杀菌剂的复合膜,将复合膜热封成保鲜包装袋,并以“桂味”荔枝为实验对象,以裸放组和市售食品保鲜袋处理组为对照组,研究保鲜包装袋在常温下对荔枝的保鲜效果。分析荔枝在贮藏期间的质量损失率、褐变指数、好果率、可溶性固形物含量及可滴定酸含量的变化。结果在常温下,裸放的荔枝和用市售保鲜袋包裹的荔枝在货架期第2—3天就会发生严重褐变,失去商业价值。用自制的可释放适量SO2的保鲜袋贮藏荔枝时,在货架期第6天时,质量损失率仅为2.44%,褐变指数仅为1.26,可溶性固形物和可滴定酸质量分数分别为18.6%,0.18%,好果率仍达到88.33%。结论可释放SO2的保鲜包装袋能减少荔枝水分损失,抑制褐变,保持荔枝的风味和口感,提高荔枝的商业价值,在常温下将荔枝的货架期延长至6 d左右。     

Preservation of cold‐stored guavas influenced by package materials

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of package materials on the preservation of cold‐stored ‘Kumagai’ guavas. The treatments were: PO2, co‐extruded polyolephinic film with gas injection (5% O₂/5% CO₂/N₂); PO3, co‐extruded polyolephinic film with gas injection (5% O₂/5% CO₂/N₂); LDPE, linear low density polyethylene film; LDPE‐gas, linear low density polyethylene film with gas injection (3% O₂/8% CO₂/N₂); PVC, polyvinylchloride stretch film; PO1, co‐extruded polyolephinic film and control: non‐packaged guavas. Guavas were stored at 10 ± 1°C/80–90% RH for 21 days, and then transferred to room temperature. Gas composition within the package headspace was analysed during storage and the physical and chemical characteristics of the guavas were evaluated daily during ripening. The modified atmosphere provided by PO1 film was insufficient to promote the benefit of senescence control. Although PVC provided an atmosphere close to that recommended, it did not preserve the colour and pulp firmness. PO2, PO3, LDPE and LDPE‐gas retarded the senescence process of the guavas during 21 days at 10°C plus 2 days at room temperature, but harmed the normal ripening of guavas in some aspects. This can be explained by reduced O₂ and elevated CO₂ levels within these four packages. None of the packages influenced the titratable acidity and the soluble solids, but they did harm ascorbic acid synthesis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Condensation regulation of packaged strawberries under fluctuating storage temperature

Disruption in cold chain during distribution and retail could have a significant impact on in‐package condensation of optimally designed packaged fresh produce. The aim of this work was to regulate in‐package condensation and evaluate the performance of different packaging design systems for strawberries under fluctuating temperatures (between 10°C and 20°C) for 5 days. The design included the use of condensation control strategies, namely, enhanced permeable films (NatureFlex and Xtend) and FruitPad of different fructose content (0%, 20%, 30%, 35%, and 40%). Package performance was evaluated in terms of headspace gas composition, mass loss, condensation, physico‐chemical changes, and visual and ortho‐nasal quality evaluation. Percentage mass loss of packaged strawberries ranged from 0.6% to 4% and was 33% for unpackaged. Results also showed that compared with the control sample, both strategies (enhanced permeable films and FruitPads) were effective in reducing condensation. In addition, transpirational water loss, results of the water absorbed by the FruitPads and transferred through the films were used to understand the packaging design needs under fluctuating temperature.     

Effect of Polyethylene Packaging Modified with Silver Particles on the Microbial,Sensory and Appearance of Dried Barberry

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) packages containing submicrometre‐sized silver particles (Ag‐LDPE) were produced by extrusion method and used as packaging material for barberry packaging. The effects of Ag‐LDPE packages on the microbial factors, apparent color and sensory factors of dried barberry were investigated in comparison with the pure polystyrene packages. Ag‐LDPE packages showed antimicrobial effects on barberry compared with pure polystyrene packages. In comparison with pure polystyrene packages, Ag‐LDPE film with 2 weight percent (wt%) of silver particles revealed antimicrobial activity against mold and total bacteria count of approximately 2.3 and 2.84 log₁₀ reductions in colony‐forming units, respectively. Ag‐LDPE packages in concentration of more than 1 wt% of silver particles preserved the appearance quality of the barberry better than pure polystyrene packages. The barberries packaged in Ag‐LDPE film with 1 wt% of silver particles retained their red color and brightness for approximately 2 to 3 weeks more than barberries packaged in pure polystyrene films. Ag‐LDPE packages assisted in the improvement of aroma, taste and total acceptance of barberry in comparison with pure polystyrene packages except in the low concentration of silver particles of approximately 0.02 wt%. The taste, aroma, appearance and also total acceptance of barberries packaged in Ag‐LDPE film with 1 wt% silver particles were preserved for approximately 2 to 3, 1 to 4, 2 to 5 and 2 to 4 weeks, respectively, more than barberries packaged in pure polystyrene films. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prevention of browning of the peel of pears by polyethylene film packaging

Polyethylene film packaging was investigated as to its use in preventing the browning of the peel of the pear variety 'Le Lectier' during distribution. The fruits were individually packaged in polyethylene bags, and were found to be superior to the usual paper-packaged fruit or unpackaged fruit in that browning of the peel was reduced considerably, while the loss in weight or wilting also was reduced and the preservation of external freshness was excellent. However, the use of a perforated polyethylene bag was essential in order to prevent the browning of the flesh or core that occurred with unperforated polyethylene bags. This browning was considered to be a physiological disorder resulting from carbon dioxide, judging from the composition of the head-space gas in the bag. The oxidative enzyme activity of the fruit was measured and an electron-microscopic observation of the epidermis was carried out. As a result, it was clear that enzymatic activity increased markedly following ripening of the fruit and a structural defect was observed in the cuticular layer of the epidermis.     

二氧化硫缓释杀菌包装在“夏黑”葡萄保鲜中的应用研究

目的延长"夏黑"葡萄在常温条件下的货架期。方法以裸放和普通LDPE包装作为参照组,对比研究了SO2缓释杀菌包装、添加1-MCP的SO2缓释杀菌包装等2种保鲜包装方案对葡萄货架期的影响。实验中每2 d分别对包装袋内的顶空气体组成,葡萄的外观质量、水分损失、褐变程度、硬度、糖分、总酸含量和VC含量进行测试分析。结果 SO2缓释杀菌包装能够形成适合葡萄贮藏的自发气调氛围,并且能够抑制葡萄霉菌的滋生。常温保存8d后,裸放组和LDPE组的果梗褐变和烂果严重,而SO2缓释杀菌包装、添加1-MCP的SO2缓释杀菌包装中葡萄褐变程度分别为1级和0级,烂果率分别为3.13%和1.1%。结论 SO2缓释杀菌包装中葡萄的外观和口感均具有商品性,保鲜效果明显。     

Development of multilayer films with improved aroma barrier properties for durian packaging application

The symmetrical A/B/A structure of multilayer blown films was fabricated in this study. The immiscible low‐density polyethylene/polylactic acid (LDPE/PLA) blend was set as a core (B) layer and LDPE was used as skin (A) layers. The compositions of PLA in the core layer were varied from 20 to 50 wt%. The thickness of each layer was 10 μm (total film thickness of ~ 30 μm). In a blown film co‐extrusion process, the morphology of the fiber/ribbon‐like structures of LDPE/PLA blend was developed. Such structures had interesting effects on gas permeability and aroma barrier properties of the films. For instance, multilayer LDPE films containing 40 and 50 wt% PLA (P40 and P50) showed the reduction of oxygen permeability (PO₂) approximately 20% and 43%, respectively, compared with the neat LDPE film. A long tortuous path for gas and aroma transportation through film thickness was created from the developed ribbon‐like structures of the PLA minor phase. For durian packaging application, fresh‐cut durian of 300 g was packed in the developed multilayer films, LDPE, and HDPE (Control), stored at 4°C for 7 days. Results demonstrated that the steady‐state condition of 10% to 13% O₂ and 8% to 10% CO₂ was achieved in all packages except in the HDPE. Moreover, the P40 and P50 films exhibited an outstanding aroma barrier property for three major durian volatiles : diethyl sulfide, ethyl propanoate, and 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol. Overall results clearly indicated that the multilayer LDPE films containing PLA exhibited a significantly improved aroma barrier performance with optimum gas permeability desirable for modified atmosphere packaging to retain quality of fresh‐cut durian throughout the storage period.     

Quality changes of treated fresh‐cut tropical fruits in rigid modified atmosphere packaging containers

There has been increasing demand for various fresh‐cut tropical fruits. However, their short shelf‐life has limited the market increase of this product. Quality changes (firmness, colour, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), sensory quality and microbial safety) of fresh‐cut mangoes, pineapples, melons and mixes of these fruits were evaluated. Chemical treatments to reduce browning, firmness loss and decay of fresh‐cut tropical fruits were investigated. The most effective agents for fresh‐cut mangoes, pineapples and melons were 0.1m ascorbic acid, 0.2m ascorbic acid and 0.2m ascorbic acid + 0.2m calcium chloride, respectively. Fresh‐cut tropical fruits were packaged in various rigid containers (PET, OPS and OPLA). Gas composition in the package headspace and time to reach steady‐state condition varied among fresh‐cut packaging systems and affected their quality and shelf‐life. The effects of package permeability of O₂ and CO₂ on quality and shelf‐life of the fresh‐cut products are discussed. Extended shelf‐life was observed in fresh‐cut mangoes, pineapples and mixes packaged in PET due to reduced O₂ and elevated CO₂ atmosphere. A modified atmosphere of 6% O₂ and 14% CO₂ achieved in PET extended the shelf‐life of fresh‐cut pineapples from 6 to 13 days. Accumulation of CO₂ may impart an off‐odour of fresh‐cut fruits. The results suggested that the shelf‐life of fresh‐cut fruits could be extended by using proper rigid containers. Suitable mixes to create optimal equilibrium modified atmosphere had a potential to extend shelf‐life of short shelf‐life fresh‐cut tropical fruits. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.