PROLONGATION OF THE SHELF-LIFE OF PERISHABLE FOOD-PRODUCTS USING BIODEGRADABLE FILMS AND COATINGS

The improvement of the safety and quality of minimally processed foods is of major interest to both the consumer and the food industry and i s the topic of an EU-sponsored research project with nine internationa l partners. The project optimizes existing techniques and in addition develops novel technologies to ensure high quality and safe food produ cts. Among the systems studied is Modified Atmosphere Packaging, for w hich the available packaging film materials are tailored to the specif ic demands of the food products. A novelty in the project is the devel opment of biodegradable packaging materials that can replace conventio nal synthetic materials. Additionally, edible coatings that are applie d directly on the food surface are designed which create a modified at mosphere. The edible coatings can be furnished with active compounds s uch as antimicrobials or antioxidants to obtain additional desired eff ects. Such packagings and coatings may protect very powerfully against microbial spoilage and loss of intrinsic product quality resulting in a prolonged shelf-life. An overview of the development and applicatio n of edible films and coatings is given here, comprising recent result s from the EU project with regard to the barrier properties of edible films and the inclusion of active compounds. (C) 1996 Academic Press L imited.