Food Manager Practice Exam

What is the term for the process of removing air from food containers?

1. Vacuum sealing

2. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

3. Sous vide

4. Canning

The correct answer is: Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

The process of removing air from food containers is best described by the term Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). This method involves altering the composition of gases surrounding the food within the packaging to extend its shelf life and maintain freshness. By replacing the air inside the container with a mixture of gases that may include carbon dioxide and nitrogen, MAP helps to inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms and oxidation, thereby preserving food quality. While vacuum sealing is a related technique that also removes air, its primary focus is on creating a vacuum around the food to prevent exposure to air, which can lead to spoilage. In contrast, MAP can include different gas compositions while not strictly eliminating all air. Sous vide refers to a cooking technique where food is vacuum-sealed in a bag and cooked to a precise temperature in a water bath, and canning is a preservation method that involves sealing food in containers and heating them to kill bacteria and enzymes. Each of these processes serves a unique purpose, but MAP specifically addresses the alteration of atmospheric conditions around food to enhance preservation.