CO2 pads

CO₂ Fresh Pads have been adapted for meat, poultry and seafood processors, the company says. The system contains active ingredients such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, which are the moisture-actuated CO₂ generating materials in the pads, located between layers of absorbent material and bound to fibers of the material. The CO₂ does not interact with the food but modifies the atmosphere around the product by pushing out the oxygen, altering the pH and lowering the temperature. This inhibits bacteria growth, enabling the food to stay fresh longer, the company claims. The CO₂ pads are designed for use with meat and seafood, food distributors, retail grocers, produce processors and growers, restaurants, cruise ships, cafeterias and florists.