Distribution of modified atmosphere packaged salmon (Salmo salar) products

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of fresh salmon (Salmo salar) has been examined as a packaging and distribution method for local retail sale in Norway and for export to Europe. Portioned salmon was packaged with a filling degree of 50% and a gas composition of 60% CO2: 40% N-2 The shelf-life of MAP packages was compared with the shelf-life of vacuum packed (VP) salmon stored on ice based on sensory analysis by a trained panel. In addition microbiological analyses and chemical analyses were carried out and gas composition and water exudation was measured. Both MAP and VP salmon on ice had a high quality and high sensory scores during a storage time of 15 days. In a separate experiment salmon was packaged in a CO2 enriched atmosphere in a fish processing factory and transported by a refrigerated truck from Norway to Paris, France. These experiments showed that salmon packaged in a modified atmosphere may successfully be transported to European countries.