Bioactive packaging technologies for extended shelf life of meat-based products

To prevent the development and spread of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms via meat foodstuffs, antimicrobial packaging materials could be a potential alternative solution. Instead of mixing antimicrobial compounds directly with food, incorporating them in films allows the functional effect at the food surface - where the microbial growth is mostly found - to be localized. Antimicrobial packagings include systems such as adding a sachet into the package, dispersing bioactive agents in the packaging, coating bioactive agents on the surface of the packaging material, or utilizing antimicrobial macromolecules with film forming properties or edible matrices. The potential of these technologies are evaluated for the preservation of meat and meat products. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.