Insufficient package perforation at abusive temperature gave low O2/high CO2 levels.
Ethanol production and increased CO2 production occurred at low O2/high CO2 levels.
Ethanol odour and taste was detected in carrots stored at low O2/high CO2 levels.
Packages with low O2/high CO2 levels had higher incidences of storage diseases.
Optimal headspace gas composition for carrot roots was close to air atmosphere.