ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the various types of absorbent/generator sachets available on the marketplace, the methods by which these sachets actively modify the gas atmosphere in the packaged product, and their uses, advantages and disadvantages for shelf life extension of food. Although vacuum/gas packaging can be used to extend the shelf life and keeping quality of food, aerobic spoilage can still occur in these packaged products depending on the level of residual O2 in the package headspace. O2 absorbents can be used for a variety of foods with different moisture contents ranging from very moist to very dry food products. In general, foods with a high moisture content are more susceptible to mold spoilage. In conclusion, the use of gas absorbents and ethanol vapour generators is, without doubt, one of the most exciting concepts of atmosphere modification available to the food industry.
