UNDERUTILIZED FISH MEAT AS A SOURCE OF EDIBLE FILMS AND COATINGS FOR THE MUSCLE FOOD-INDUSTRY

A major problem now facing the rapidly expanding packaging industry is the accumulation of non-biodegradable wastes in the form of synthetic packaging materials, and the associated environmental pollution. Whil e efforts such as banning polythene bags or converting wastes into man ure are being contemplated in several countries, including India, atte ntion is also being paid to replacing synthetic packaging, as far as p ossible, with biodegradable and hence environmentally friendly packagi ng-materials. The prospects for biodegradable films are particularly b right in the food industry, which has started to realize that food-gra de macromolecules possessing film-forming properties could be used for the development of edible protective films and coatings.