The food industry uses food gases e.g. in the beverage industry, in cooling products and to improve the shelf life and appearance of products.
A commonly used method that improves the shelf life of food is MAP packaging (Modified Atmosphere Packaging). In it, the air is first removed from the package and replaced with the desired gas mixture. The most used gas mixtures are mixtures of carbon dioxide and nitrogen with different concentrations.
The oxygen in the air causes the growth of typical aerobic microbes that spoil food. The acidity of carbon dioxide reduces the growth potential of microbes and inert (unreacted) nitrogen is the background gas. A mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen can also be used to preserve the red color of the meat.
An unbroken cold chain ensures that the quality remains as desired.
Before placing the product on the market, the shelf life (gas suitability) is tested with shelf life tests due to the different compositions of food. The food production of the carbon dioxide plant in Kokkola, as well as the gas filling plants in Oulu and Järvenpää, is certified according to the FSSC 22000 food certificate (certificates: Kokkola, Oulu, Järvenpää).
Woikoski's quality system, which includes the production, filling and distribution of industrial, medical, food, special and liquefied gases, has received the ISO 9001:2015 certificate. The standard guarantees high-quality operation in all different areas of Woikoski.