Patent ID: 11849745

Abstract:
A meat-packaging procedure and a machine for packaging meat cuts for long-term storage is operated at temperatures of between 28° and 42° F. The process includes sealing meat cuts or full poultry birds or bird pieces within a master bag containing (i) oxygen scavenger materials capable of reducing the residual oxygen content of the atmosphere within the bag to 0 ppm within 96 hours of sealing, and (ii) a CO2 generator capable to generate CO2 in the amount of at least 100 mL per pound of meat or poultry within 7 days of sealing. Gas is injected into the master bag to form a CO2-rich storage environment of at least 50% CO2. For meat trays containing meat with poor color stability, oxygen scavengers are preferably placed within the meat trays. For cuts with good color stability, the oxygen scavengers may be placed outside the meat trays.