High‐oxygen and high‐carbon dioxide containing atmospheres inhibit growth of food associated moulds

Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the growth of three foodborne fungi and high‐oxygen modified atmosphere. Methods and Results: Petri dishes were incubated in a series of connected flasks, which were placed in a climatized room and flushed continuously with the desired gas atmosphere. A combination of 80% oxygen and 20% carbon dioxide resulted in reduced growth of Rhizopus stolonifer, Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium discolor compared with ambient atmosphere conditions. Combining 80% oxygen and 20% carbon dioxide at 10°C arrested growth of B. cinerea for 17 d while an elevated carbon dioxide concentration only inhibited growth up to 11 d. In addition, the peroxidase activity was doubled at 80% oxygen and decreased when 10% carbon dioxide was present. Impact of the Study: This study demonstrates the potential use of elevated oxygen levels in a modified atmosphere to inhibit food‐associated mould growth.