 Question
Index
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What is Modified Atmosphere
(MA)?
Any change in composition or concentration of gases in a storage
environment from that of normal air. A change in air temperature and/or
relative humidity does not constitute a modified atmosphere.
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What is Controlled Atmosphere
(CA)?
An active process to regulate modified atmosphere composition, in
which initial concentrations of gases are maintained throughout storage /
transit by the addition or removal of quantities of gas as established by
computer.
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What is TECTROL©?
TECTROL© Atmosphere is the trademarked brand name for TransFRESH’s
family of proprietary Modified and Controlled Atmosphere systems and processes
developed and owned by TransFRESH. Regardless of the type of system or process,
each Tectrol Atmosphere consists of a mix of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and
nitrogen which is tailored to specific commodity needs. The Tectrol Atmosphere
and Tectrol Controlled Atmosphere Systems are listed by the
Organic Materials Review Institute for the use in production of organic
food and fiber.
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Why use TECTROL©?
TECTROL© protects fresh produce perishables from shipping point all
the way through distribution and retail sale, by slowing down the development
of market disorders. The decision to use TECTROL© depends on a commodity's
perishability, distance to market and susceptibility to market disorders which
can be controlled by a TECTROL© Atmosphere. Category managers for fresh
strawberries might use the TECTROL© MA Pallet Service
to ultimately reduce retail shrink from decay. A Mexican avocado shipper may
order TECTROL© CA Marine Services to protect
against uneven ripening in transit and possible claims. Benefits of TECTROL© do
vary by commodity and service type. Contact us.
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Where can I find more
information ?
TECTROL© Atmospheres represent TransFRESH’s most current knowledge on
the application of controlled and modified atmosphere systems for the
protection of perishables in the commercial world. If you have special needs or
circumstances, contact us. New research is ongoing
in many institutions and labs around the world. An excellent resource other
then TransFRESH is the University
of California at Davis, which also maintains a comprehensive website
with postharvest technology research and information.
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Why do TECTROL© strawberries
have an “off flavor” sometimes?
This problem surfaces occasionally and is generally related to a break
in the cold chain while the TECTROL© bag is still sealed around the pallet
load. Strawberries respire, consuming O2 and generate their own CO2. If the
product temperature increases substantially, so does the respiration rate. If
the CO2 concentrations remain too high (O2 too low) for too long, the
strawberries take on a “fizzy” flavor. In general, this sensation
dissipates 24 hours after removal from atmosphere. Part of TransFRESH’s ongoing
QC program is to detect these issues and adjust our technologies as
necessary.
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Where do I find a full copy of
the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Tectrol Atmospheres?
The 2 primary gases used to create custom blends of Tectrol Controlled
or Modified Atmosphere are
Carbon Dioxide and
Nitrogen.
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