Patent ID: 9468220
Filing Date: 2016-10-18
CPC Classification: A23B,A23L

Claim Text:
1. A method for removing oxygen from a tote having oxidatively degradable foodstuff(s), wherein the foodstuff is fresh fish, which fish absorb gas during storage and/or transportation which method comprises: a) adding the foodstuff to a tote having a sealable gas inlet port and a sealable gas outlet port; b) sealing the tote; c) connecting the inlet port to an inert gas source and opening the outlet port of the otherwise sealed tote; d) conducting one or more initial flushings of the tote with an inert gas from the inert gas source during a first flushing period prior to transportation and/or storage the degradable foodstuff(s), the one or more flushings comprising injecting a sufficient amount of the inert gas into the tote through the inlet port while removing gas through the outlet port to remove residual oxygen in the foodstuff(s) such that the one or more flushings provide a reduced oxygen environment in the tote and an initial gaseous head space of sufficient volume to permit absorption of the inert gas into the foodstuff without increasing oxygen content in the remaining gaseous head space in the tote to a level of above about 1500 ppm, wherein the inert gas source ceases operation after a time period to conclude the first flushing period in about 0.5 to about 50 hours such that the first flushing period is sufficient to allow a natural minimization or cessation of gaseous exchange within the tote between the foodstuff and the environment of the tote; e) sealing the inlet and outlet ports prior to transportation; and f) periodically flushing the tote during transportation and/or storage to maintain the oxygen content in the remaining gaseous head space to a level below about 1500 ppm, wherein the tote further comprises an oxygen sensor located internal to the tote and wherein the steps of periodically flushing the tote during transportation and/or storage occur when the oxygen sensor signals a need for flushing.