Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

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What is "Modified Atmosphere Packaging" designed to do?

Enhance the flavor of the food
Reduce the weight of food items for shipping
Extend the life of the product by maintaining a reduced oxygen environment
Increase the shelf life through chemical preservatives

The correct answer is: Extend the life of the product by maintaining a reduced oxygen environment

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is specifically designed to extend the life of food products by changing and maintaining a controlled atmosphere around the food. This is typically achieved by replacing the air inside the package with gases like nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or a mixture of gases that create a reduced oxygen environment. Lower levels of oxygen slow down the growth of aerobic bacteria and mold, thereby prolonging freshness and shelf life without the need for chemical preservatives. This method helps in maintaining the quality, color, texture, and nutritional value of perishable items, making it particularly effective for meats, fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals. The other options don't accurately represent the function of MAP. While enhancing flavor may be a secondary benefit, it's not the primary function of the packaging. Reducing weight for shipping is not a characteristic of MAP, as it is focused more on the atmosphere within the packaging rather than its physical weight. Additionally, while chemical preservatives serve to increase shelf life, MAP provides a chemical-free alternative by modifying the atmospheric conditions rather than relying on added substances.