Nondestructive measurement of oxygen in modified atmosphere packaged hams using a phase-fluorimetric sensor system

The phase-fluorimetric oxygen sensing system recently developed by our team was used for nondestructive measurement of oxygen content in the heasdspace of 4 types of ham slice products. The system allowed accurate measurement of oxygen levels in all types of ham packs in a contact-less nondestructive fashion; it worked satisfactorily under ambient light and in conditions of direct contact with packaged cooked ham slices and variation of sample temperature. A primary screening for oxygen content of the modified atmosphere packs revealed that a significant proportion of packs contained elevated levels of oxygen. The sensor demonstrated minor changes in calibration as a result of direct physical contact with food and prolonged exposure.