Gas-flush system extends shelf-life for vacuum-averse products

A vacuum-free, gas-flushing system which can extend shelf-life in trays of fresh fruit pieces for up to 14 days is equally applicable to foods from fresh meat to fish, says the supplier.

Hefestus, based in Israel, explains that its proprietary Shelf Life Booster modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system pushes a mix of gases into the tray. The turbulence and speed of the gas injection expels air from the pack, says the company, with no need for a mechanical vacuum.

Chief executive Oded Shtemer says: "We can guarantee less than 0.5% residual oxygen, and as far as I know, no one else can guarantee such a low level."

Use of a mechanical vacuum would make the line slower, he says, and also require much more energy. Hefestus says that its Hera machine will flush and seal packs at speeds of up to 15 cycles a minute.

In many applications drawing a vacuum would damage product. Apart from fresh fruit and vegetables, Shtemer says, products which could benefit from the Hefestus system include fresh meat, fish and seafood.

Other equipment suppliers agree that the oxygen level guaranteed by Hefestus is low, but point out that cooked meats, for instance, typically need 0.1-0.2% residual level.

The firm is represented in the UK by D2.