Abstract: An absorbent food pad in which the rate of release of carbon dioxide is controlled through either or both the chemistry and architecture of the absorbent food pad. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent food pad has two carbon dioxide generation systems.

Abstract: An absorbent pad that contains activated carbon to reduce confinement odor in a vacuum-packaged food product is provided. An embodiment of absorbent pad contains activated carbon and an antimicrobial agent that further reduces confinement odor by two mechanisms of action: reducing bacterial counts in the liquid purge that cause breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins in food products; and trapping of confinement odor-causing breakdown products by the activated carbon. The absorbent body in the absorbent pad actively draws in liquid purge and dissolved volatile breakdown products in the vacuum package that produce confinement odor, which produces greater and more rapid contact of odor-causing compounds with the activated carbon.

Abstract: An absorbent food pad having one or more apertures that provide discrete airflow passages through the absorbent food pad is provided. The apertures permit the absorbent food pads to be placed below a food product in a container without blocking the flow of air through the container. The absorbent food pad contains an active system, such as an SO2 generation system, or any other system that enhances freshness and prolongs the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and other food products during transport and storage to prevent and/or minimize disease.