Packaging with hydrogen gas modified atmosphere can extend chicken egg storage.

Background: Although hydrogen gas (H ) has been widely used in industry and gradually used in medicine, it is less applied to agriculture, especially in modified atmosphere packing (MAP).

Results: During chicken egg storage, H MAP not only slowed down or delayed the reduction in antioxidant capacities, but also alleviated the deterioration of egg quality. The extent of micro-cracks in the eggshell was also negatively influenced by H , which might result in eggs being less vulnerable to microbes. The earlier results demonstrated that the H MAP-extended shelf life of chicken eggs might be caused by the responses of eggshell and re-establishment of redox homeostasis. According to the data collected from different provinces of China, cost-economics analysis further suggested that the increase in the extra cost caused by H was trivial compared with the original price of eggs.

Conclusion: Together, H MAP can prolong the shelf life of chicken eggs with the prospect of wider application. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.