Formulations of controlled atmosphere agents for packaged foods.

Four food grade additives-sodium ascorbate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate-10-hydrate, and ferrous sulfate-7-hydrate-were selected as the basic ingredients to formulate the controlled atmosphere agents which could effectively remove oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The mathematical models giving the relationships between the formulations and the responses (oxygen and carbon dioxide contents) were developed using response surface methodology (RSM). Within 8-24 h, the oxygen and carbon dioxide contents of all tested formulations could reach constant levels, in the ranges of 2-9% and 0-41%, respectively. These formulations were considered to be effective, safe, and easy to prepare and could be applied to wide varieties of food products.