Some of the output is vacuum packed, but the majority is packed in rigid, modified atmosphere packages because the product looks more attractive and is easier to display and store. Keeping the modified atmosphere packages within specification is critical. With the packing equipment producing a 200g, modified atmosphere package every 2 seconds, it is essential that the nitrogen and CO2 atmosphere in the packs is maintained within specification at less than 0.3% oxygen. To ensure that all production is within specification, between 3 and 8 modified atmosphere packs are tested at start up and then every hour using Systech Illinois gaspace headspace gas analyzers. If the oxygen content of the gas mix atmosphere is out of spec, the previous hour's production has to be repacked.

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