In comparison to a conventionally used normal gas atmosphere,
MAP containing Ar gas exhibit some significant influence on the growth potential of
L. monocytogenes when assessed based on gelatin-agar medium models or on ham during chilled storage for 21 days. It was even possible to classify the tested ham as a product not being able to support the growth of L. monocytogenes under both Ar gas atmospheres. However, difference in growth potential between the conventional gas atmosphere and the Ar containing atmospheres could not be observed for E. coli, neither some transferability of the results to other RTE meat products seems to be evident. Further, the application of MAP using Ar was not capable of prolonging the shelf-life of the ham more than normal MAP .