A mathematical model for an N gas composition in modified atmosphere (MA) packaging and soluble gas stabilization (SGS) has been developed and analyzed. Based on this model the equilibrium gas composition in the head space, and concentration of dissolved gas in the product are estimated. The predictions deduced from the models have been compared with experimental data and published data on MA packaging, and very good agreement (with regression coefficients R-2 > 0.997 and R-2 = 0.945, respectively) has been obtained. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.