An absorbent food pad having one or more apertures that provide discrete airflow passages through the absorbent food pad is provided. The apertures permit the absorbent food pads to be placed below a food product in a container without blocking the flow of air through the container. The absorbent food pad contains an active system, such as an SO2 generation system, or any other system that enhances freshness and prolongs the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and other food products during transport and storage to prevent and/or minimize disease.
