The present invention provides a food preservation system that includes a multi-phase bacterial inhibition food pad. The food pad includes absorbent media and/or material to absorb fluids emanating from the packaged food. The absorbent media/material includes one or more bacterial inhibitors that may possess bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal properties. In addition, the food pad may also include an atmosphere modification system capable of modifying an atmosphere in a food package. Optionally, one or more reaction promoters and/or one or more mechanisms to protect the food preservation system may also be included in the food pad. Overall, the food preservation system inhibits bacterial growth, thereby enhancing food preservation and/or food safety.