This study has established that modified atmospheric packaging
enhances the shelf life of fresh ostrich steaks and could be applied
with great success in the industry. The colour stability is greatly
enhanced in the O_MAP. As lipid oxidation was found to be the major
spoilage factor in the O_MAP, sensory research needs to be conducted
in order to ascertain at what levels it can be detected by the
consumer. MAP also decreased the amount of drip loss, which further
increases the meat’s attractiveness to the consumer. As it is
presently unclear what the effect of protein oxidation is on the
juiciness and the tenderness of ostrich meat, this aspect should
be investigated further. The N_MAP holds potential as an anaerobic