Abstract: A method for treating a perishable meat product including the steps of chilling the meat product to within a selected temperature range, exposing the chilled meat product to a chilled gas mixture containing a significant fraction of inert gas, and thereafter removing the chilled gas and exchanging that gas with a gas mixture containing a high oxygen fraction.

Abstract: A method of preservation and presentation including the steps of positioning a perishable product having a significant porosity and permeability into a gas impermeable package in the presence of a first agent, thereafter sealing the product in the package in the presence of the agent under a positive pressure and maintaining gas communication between the product and the first agent for a time necessary for the concentration of the first agent to be reduced by 50%.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for exchanging gases contained within a sealed container is disclosed, said system comprising a pressurizable housing through which sealed container is passed, means to affix a valve to said container and means to exchange gases through said valve.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing the marketable characteristics for a given perishable product prior to or after the product has been placed in a gas-tight consumer-ready package. More specifically, the method of the present invention contemplates the use of one or more agents or mixtures thereof which are introduced into gas communication with a perishable meat product in a selected concentration based on a number of variables including moisture content, muscle type and surface area of said product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging perishable products is disclosed, said method and apparatus enabling the alteration of the gaseous environment surrounding a given product. The packaging system can be readily prepared for immediate transport and aging, retail display and consumer freezing. The present system comprises a relatively rigid tray which is sealed with a flexible gas impermeable cover, said tray being provided with a resealable septum valve. The tray is also preferably provided with a plurality of protrusions or mounds so as to facilitate gas flow and contact with a given perishable product. The atmosphere in the packaging system may be modified to inhibit bacterial decay of the product and/or to enhance its appearance. Likewise, the package may be prepared for freezing by drawing a substantial vacuum within the packaging system.

Abstract: A package for perishable products which can readily be prepared for home freezing is comprised of a relatively rigid tray and a flexible cover, the cover having a hole covered by a removable, replaceable seal. The tray is provided with collapsible supports, which hold the cover above the perishable product on the tray during fresh storage, but which can be readily collapsed in order to provide maximum expulsion of air from the package in preparation for freezing. The atmosphere in the package may be modified so as to inhibit bacterial decay of the product and/or to enhance its appearance. The package is prepared for freezing by removing the seal, collapsing the supports and expelling as much of the atmosphere in the package as possible, and then replacing the seal.

Abstract: A package for perishable products which can readily be prepared for home freezing is comprised of a relatively rigid tray and a flexible cover, the cover having a hole covered by a removable, replaceable seal. The tray is provided with collapsible supports, which hold the cover above the perishable product on the tray during fresh storage, but which can be readily collapsed in order to provide maximum expulsion of air from the package in preparation for freezing. These supports comprise one or more relatively thin walls integral with the tray, the walls having a convoluted riged line parallel and near to the top of the walls. When there is more than one wall, these ridge lines on adjacent walls are alternately convex and concave and meet at the corner formed by adjacent walls.