Spanish hygienic regulations for processing, distribution and commerce of prepared meals (Real Decreto 3484/2000) include a maximum limit for mesophilic bacteria of 7 log CFU g−1 for meals prepared from raw vegetables (BOE, 2001). Mesophilic bacteria in fresh-cut pineapple containers reached that level on the 14th day of storage, whereas psychrophilic bacteria and yeast and moulds reached it at 18th day for all packaging conditions. Mesophilic bacteria counts were used to define the shelf-life of fresh-cut pineapple, since these microorganisms were the first to exceed regulation limits. Packaging in modified atmosphere prolonged the shelf-life of ‘Gold’ fresh-cut pineapple by 14 d of storage. After 13 d,
headspace gas concentration of ethanol start to be noticed, which is also a sign of undesirable changes and degradation processes which lead to off-flavors and off-odors