Open cell tray and method of foodstuff packaging

Abstract

A packaging system includes a packaging member adapted to support a foodstuff in use. The packaging member comprises a container or tray formed from an open celled material. The container or tray has an inside intended to contact the foodstuff in use and an outside.

What we claim is:  
     
         1 . A packaging system including a packaging member adapted to support a foodstuff in use, the packaging member comprising a container or tray formed from an open celled material, the container or tray having an inside intended to contact the foodstuff in use and an outside.  
     
     
         2 . A packaging system of    claim 1    wherein the packaging member is overwrapped with a layer of material having a micro-perforations in it.  
     
     
         3 . A packaging system of    claim 2    wherein at least one packaging member is placed within a pouch or outer barrier bag which is then evacuated of normal atmosphere and then charged with an inert atmosphere gas.  
     
     
         4 . A packaging system of    claim 3    wherein the material from which the pouch or outer barrier bag is made contains an oxygen absorbent material.  
     
     
         5 . A packaging system of    claim 3    wherein an oxygen absorbent sachet is placed within the pouch or outer barrier bag.  
     
     
         6 . A packaging member adapted to support a foodstuff in use, the packaging member being formed from an open celled material.  
     
     
         7 . A method of packaging foodstuffs comprising steps of: 
 placing the foodstuff in a packaging member comprising a container or tray formed from an open-celled material;    overwrapping the packaging member with a layer of material having micro-perforations in it;    placing at least one packaging member within a pouch or outer barrier bag;    evacuating the normal atmosphere from the pouch or outer bag;    charging the pouch or outer barrier bag with an inert gas atmosphere.    
     
     
         8 . The method of packaging foodstuffs as claimed in    claim 7    wherein the material from which the pouch or outer barrier bag is made contains an oxygen absorbent material.  
     
     
         9 . The method of packaging foodstuffs as claimed in    claim 7    wherein an oxygen absorbent sachet is placed within the pouch of an outer bag.  
     
     
         10 . The method of packaging foodstuffs as claimed in any one of claims  7 ,  8  or  9 , wherein a SECUREPAK™ machine is used to evacuate the normal atmosphere.