Development of a quality assurance CO2 leak detector for modified atmosphere packaging

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Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is widely used throughout the food packaging industry. It involves replacing air within the pack with a CO2 rich/O2 deficient gas mixture which keeps the food fresher for longer by inhibiting spoilage by microorganisms. However if an accidental leak is present in the packaging, the preservation mechanism is disrupted and food spoils quicker. The presence of a leak is not always obvious, or its significance realised by consumers. This project will develop a simple colour-changing label which quickly provides information about the integrity of food packaging. Such inexpensive indicators will increase food safety, reduce waste and will vastly improve the quality assurance procedures currently used throughout the food packaging industry.