Oxygen absorber

[rescuer]

Sealed packs of samples of gluten-free bread rolls have a small sachet marked: Oxygen Absorbent. They are made in Japan but have a US Patent number.
What is the substance and how does it absorbed the oxygen in the pack?
Has anyone got the answer?

[chamois]

This is undoubtedly a process called Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP).

A good outline of the process can be found around a third of the way down this page:

http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?wo=1998018 332&IA=WO1998018332&DISPLAY=DESC

Here's some details of one patent involved:

http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6843040-desc ription.html

[rescuer]

Thanks, chamois.
The site you sent me too is very interesting. You wouldn't expect that baking bread could involve so many considerations.