The effects of passive and active modified atmosphere packaging conditions (MAP) on quality of packaged
table grape were investigated. To this aim, three films made up of oriented polypropylene and characterized
by a different thickness (20, 40 and 80 lm, respectively) were used to package the grape in air (passive
MAP) and under three different initial headspace gas compositions (active MAP). As controls, grape
samples were also stored without packaging. During a prolonged storage period at refrigerated temperature
(5 C) the headspace gas concentrations, the mass loss, the microbiological stability and the sensory
acceptability were monitored. Results obtained highlight that all selected packaging films significantly
prevent product decay, thus promoting a substantial shelf life prolongation, if compared to the unpackaged
product. In particular, the best results were recorded with the thickest polymeric matrix sealed in
air, that assured a shelf life more than 70 days. The active MAPs were not found significant for a shelf life
prolongation, due to the fast equilibrium of gas reached in the bags and due to a more pronounced product
dehydration.