3. Results and discussion
All the data were normally distributed and homoscedastic. The results for the shelf-life trial are presented individually for each of the variables.
3.1. Headspace analysis
The headspace composition changes over time as the gases interact with the meat and spoilage microbes (Daun et al., 1971, Doherty et al., 1996 and Seideman et al., 1979). Any gaseous exchange with the exterior is unlikely as MAP-specific packaging materials ensure low permeability. The evaluation of the headspace composition is thus essential as reported for the oxygen and the nitrogen MAP in Table 1.