Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on microbiological and sensory quality of ackee fruit arils (Blighia sapida Köenig) stored under refrigerated regimes

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effects of two modified atmosphere packaging films [Osmolux (Osx) and Oriented PolyPropylene (OPP)] on the microbiological and the sensory qualities of ackee fruit (Blighia sapida Köenig) arils stored during eight days under two refrigerated temperatures, 5 ±1°C and 10 ±1°C. The control samples of ackee arils were packaged in a macro-perforated highdensity polypropylene film (MP). The results showed that mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB), yeasts and moulds were lower under OPP, although MAB of MP was lower at 5°C. At 10°C, the pH of the ackee arils stored in Osx and OPP did not vary significantly, but the pH ofMP showed an increase from 5.32 to 5.95 and 5.83 at 5°C and 10°C, respectively. Results also showed that under OPP, weight losses were lower and averaged 0.12%and 0.19%after eight days storage at 5°C and 10°C, respectively, while the sensory quality attributes were preserved up to six days. Conclusively, OPP showed better attributes for MAP storage of ackee arils under refrigerated temperatures, although none of the two films were effective to reduce the chilling injury after the eight days storage.