Description
Vacuum packaging removes air from the product headspace, lowering oxygen concentration below 1 % and reducing aerobic microbial growth, while oxygen scavengers chemically bind residual oxygen to further suppress oxidation and extend shelf life.
Technical
The iron powder in the scavenger reacts with residual O₂ to form iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), following the reaction 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃. This reaction removes oxygen at a rate of ~0.1 mg O₂ per mg iron per day at 25 °C, and the rate declines as the iron oxide layer thickens.
Science
Primary Reaction
4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
freshcleanneutralslightly metallic
Origin & History
Civilization
Japanese
Era
1970s
Region