4. Conclusions
The optimization of a master bag packaging system for ground
beef patties was carried out successfully during this work. A
suitable storage time in the master bag (anoxic conditions) was
identified as 8 or 10 days. After both of these periods, the blooming
phase (i.e., reoxygenation of surface pigments) was optimized, and
the blooming time was set at 2 h. Additionally, the perforation of
the stretch film wrapping the product was carried out on some
samples to evaluate its contribution in favoring blooming, but the
effect of this procedure was statistically (p < 0.05) non-significant.
It is possible to conclude that the investigated master bag
packaging system is able to prolong the shelf life of ground beef
patties, ensuring a storage time at least of 10 days and a 2-days
display life. Hence, the master bag system could replace the
traditional one, facilitating the management of a very perishable
product and, at the same time, ensuring its quality