When an AnaeroGen pouch is placed in a sealed jar, the atmospheric oxygen in the jar is rapidly absorbed with simultaneous production of carbon dioxide. This new method differs from others commonly used in that the reaction proceeds without hydrogen evolution and therefore does not require a catalyst. Also, water is not required to activate the reaction.
When used as directed, the AnaeroGen bag reduces the oxygen level in the jar to less than 1% within 30 minutes. The resulting carbon dioxide level will be between 9% and 13%.
AnaeroGen has been used in the methodology for the detection of bifidobacteria in meat and meat products to investigate the suitability of these organisms as indicators of fecal contamination.