Modified atmosphere packages and methods for making the same, with predetermined carbon monoxide concentration added and removal of oxygen

摘要

A method of manufacturing a modified atmosphere package comprises supplying a first package (14) including a non-barrier (18) portion substantially permeable to oxygen. A retail cut of raw meat (26) is placed within the first package (14) and the first package (14) is sealed. A second package (12) substantially impermeable to oxygen is supplied. The first package (14) is covered with the second package (12) without sealing the second package (12) so as to create a pocket (13) between the first (14) and second (12) packages. A mixture of gases is supplied into the pocket (13). The gas mixture comprises from about 0.01 to about 0.8 vol.% carbon monoxide and at least one other gas to form a low oxygen environment so as to form carboxymyoglobin on a surface of the raw meat (26). The oxygen is removed from the pocket (13) so as to sufficiently reduce an oxygen level therein so as to inhibit or prevent the formation of metmyoglobin on the surface of the raw meat (26). The second package (12) is sealed.