Abstract: A controlled atmosphere package for retarding the ripening rate of fruits and vegetables is formed from the combination of a sealed enclosure and a packet for the package interior which contains chemical agents capable of absorbing moisture and carbon dioxide from the package environment so as to prevent mold growth or other respiratory injury to the product. Absorption of carbon dioxide and water vapor lowers the pressure inside the package and produces a driving force which allows the entry of sufficient air into the package from the surrounding ambient atmosphere to prevent anaerobic respiration and low oxygen injury to the produce.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere package for retarding the ripening rate of tomatoes is formed from a gas permeable film which allows the tomatoes to convert the package atmosphere to an environment containing 0 to 10 vol.% carbon dioxide and 2.5 to 10 vol.% oxygen. The package contains chemical agents capable of absorbing moisture and carbon dioxide from the package environment so as to prevent mold growth or injury to the tomatoes.