An Integrated Approach to Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Products in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

The aim of this work was to analyze the main factors influencing the shelf life of peanut products in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Roasted and salted peanuts produced by three well-known commercial companies were presented as examples. Different types of packaging (multilayer laminated materials, cans) with different gas mixture composition (0-1% O₂, 1-3% O_2, 3-6% O₂) were compared. The main aim of shelf-life investigation is to ensure consumer acceptance of a product. Factors affecting the shelf life of products in MAP are presented as an integrated pyramid. All elements of this shelf-life pyramid should be analyzed and included during shelf-life investigations. This study indicates that estimation of the shelf life of a food is integrally related to its packaging (e.g., peanuts in MAP); both product conditions and the package as well as gas mixture composition should be considered.