CURRENT OVERVIEW IN THE FIELD OF APPLICATION OF EDIBLE COATINGS/FILMS (MEAT PRODUCTS EXAMPLES)

Abstract

Preservation and storage of food is an integral part of the food industry. There is currently a progress in the field of preservation and storage technologies, which reflects the demands made by consumers. Active and intelligent packaging is an innovative technique that offers a wide range of possibilities for improving the quality of the food. In accordance with the green policy and the demands of consumers for the minimum addition of chemical additives to food, there is an open space for the application of edible coatings/films as packaging materials for food. Edible coatings/films due to their natural character are able to act as carriers of wide range of bioactive substances, dyes, nutraceuticals, which can extend the shelf life of food and, at the same time, preserve or improve the quality of food. From these substances, the focus is on phytochemicals, nanoparticles, probiotics, protein hydrolysates or bioactive peptides and others from wide range of sources. The possible incorporation of bioactive peptides with a wide range of bioactive effects is a current topic that attracts the attention of researchers.