Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) were packaged under air in two macroperforated packages (A—9.0×10 3 perforations/m 2 , 0.1mm 2 surface and B—17perforations/m 2 , 0.1mm 2 surface) and under two gas mixtures (15% and 25% O 2 ) in polyethylene packages, and stored at 5°C for 18d. The sensory quality of the mushrooms was evaluated using a trained assessors panel.Mushrooms packaged in macroperforated packages A showed the smallest deterioration rate. However, weight loss after 6d of storage reached 15%, which is unacceptable. Besides, shelf life of shiitake mushrooms in active modified atmosphere was limited by off-odour development. Mushrooms in these packages developed off-odour after 12d of storage due to the fact that O 2 concentrations fall bellow 5%.On the other hand, the shelf life of mushrooms packaged in macroperforated packages B was limited by their sensory deterioration, particularly by changes in the colour and uniformity of their gills. In this film, mushrooms could be stored for approximately 10d with a weight loss lower than 2%.Results from the present work suggest that during the first 6d of storage all the evaluated packaging conditions were useful for reducing mushroom deterioration rate.