Longer-Life Packaging for Shellfish Patented

MAP, first patented in Europe in 2002, is a watertight process that uses a special oxygen/carbon dioxide mix to keep mussels alive for much longer than regular packaging, in a consumer-friendly, airtight package.

05/10/07 A Canadian shellfish processor has filed the first North American patent for a ground breaking Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) system.

MAP, first patented in Europe in 2002, is a watertight process that uses a special oxygen/carbon dioxide mix to keep mussels alive for much longer than regular packaging, in a consumer-friendly, airtight package.

Atlantic Aqua Farms' president Brian Fortune says his system is able to keep molluscan shellfish fresh for 14-21 days, whereas European systems only keep them alive and fresh for up to nine days.

"What makes our MAP system different is a manipulation of the gases and the proprietary packaging technique," Fortune says.

"Our hope is to eventually offer this system to other industry players in Canada and across North America by means of licensing agreements."