Computational modelling of modified atmosphere packaging: application to cactus pear and truffle as case studies

Shelf life improvement for two different products (cactus pears and truffles), stored at 8 and 5°C respectively under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), was assessed by modelling heat and mass transport as well as package geometry and storage conditions. An innovative approach was implemented by coupling an engineering tool, such as the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with experimental data, such as visual quality, respiration rate, head space composition, and weight loss upon MAP storage. The overall model, incorporating all phenomenological variations, has been finally tuned-up by means of a specific multi-objective optimization. It is seen that the models are able to simulate complex, multidimensional food-package ensembles under MAP conditions. As for cactus pears, a multidimensional, transient model is proposed by combining generalized transport notations with respiration and microbial growth kinetics. As for truffles, a model able to predict the effect of storage on quality loss was obtained. The adoption of predictive and comprehensive mathematical models is an economic method to evaluate packaging and operating performance, compared to more expensive experimental methods. Computational models, such as these, can be used to verify existing MAP configurations, or to design new ones. Exploitation of this mathematical tool would allow for informed technical and management decisions.