Effect of modified atmosphere packaging and addition of calcium hypochlorite on the atmosphere composition, colour and microbial quality of mushrooms

Abstract

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging in combination with the addition of calcium hypochlorite on the atmosphere composition, colour and microbial quality of mushrooms was investigated. A modified atmosphere which slowed down discolouration was obtained in perforated low density polythene (LDPE) packages. Addition of calcium hypochlorite did not influence the atmosphere composition of the treatments. Low oxygen concentrations were reached in the PVC treatments which increased browning. No benefit to colour values was obtained with the addition of calcium hypochlorite. Addition of calcium hypochlorite (0.4g/L) reduced all the microbial counts in the PVC treatment with two perforations significantly. The coliform and total plate of all the different packaging methods were significantly lower at the end of the storage period with the addition of 0.8g/L calcium hypochlorite.