The Use of Edible Films to Prevent Microbial Growth Alan Paraso

What is an edible film?Defined: ”A free standing thin layer of edible material which can be used as a food product or a wrapper for foods.”

Use?To extend shelf-life and prevent foodborne illnesses

Belgacem M, Gandini A. Monomers, Polymers, and Composites From Renewable Resources. The Netherlands: Elsevier Ltd; 2008.

Difference between edible films and edible coatings

Edible filmSolvent casting Extrusion

Edible coatingsDippingSpraying

*Plasticizer

Skurtys O, Acevedo C, Pedreschi F, Enrione J, Osorio F, Aguilera J.M. Food Hydrocolloid Edible Films and Coatings.

Polysaccharide based Protein based

Chemical Structure

Agar Alginate Carageenans Cellulose derivatives Chitosan Gums Pectin Starch

Whey Gelatin

Films are made from hydrocolloid material.

Skurtys O, Acevedo C, Pedreschi F, Enrione J, Osorio F, Aguilera J.M. Food Hydrocolloid Edible Films and Coatings.

Purpose:Provide more information on food preservation and how edible films may effect the lives of consumers and health professionals.

Efficacy of freezing, frozen storage, and edible antimicrobial coatings used in combination for control of Listeria monocytogenes On Roasted Turkey Stored At Chiller Temperatures

Jiang Z, Neetoo H, Chen H. Efficacy of freezing, frozen storage, and edible antimicrobial coatings used in combination for control of Listeria monocytogenes On Roasted Turkey Stored At Chiller Temperatures. Food Microbiology. 2011;28:1394-1401.

http://www.marlerblog.com/uploads/image/Listeria-monocytogenes.jpg. Accessed March 31, 2012.http://www.activereno.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Running-Turkey-56072.jpg. Accessed March 31, 2012

Purpose: To test antilistereal effects of four polysaccharide-based edible coatings.

Method: - Coat turkey pieces with L. monocytogene strain

- Apply coating solutions to turkey pieces (starch, chitosan, alginate, pectin).

- Store pieces in vacuum packed bags in 4°C temperature for 8 weeks.

Jiang Z, Neetoo H, Chen H. Efficacy of freezing, frozen storage, and edible antimicrobial coatings used in combination for control of Listeria monocytogenes On Roasted Turkey Stored At Chiller Temperatures. Food Microbiology. 2011;28:1394-1401.

Results: Pectin based coatings exhibited the best antilistereal effect. In order: Pectin > Alginate > Chitosan = Starch

Jiang Z, Neetoo H, Chen H. Efficacy of freezing, frozen storage, and edible antimicrobial coatings used in combination for control of Listeria monocytogenes On Roasted Turkey Stored At Chiller Temperatures. Food Microbiology. 2011;28:1394-1401.

Reasoning: Jiang et al states pectin has ability to form hydrogels, which make it hold antimicrobial compounds.

Using Edible Coating to Enhance Nutritional and Sensory Qualities of Baby Carrots

Mei Y, Zhao Y, Yang J, Furr, HC. Using Edible Coating to Enhance Nutritional and Sensory Qualities of Baby Carrots. J. Food Sci. 2002;67:1964-1968. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dwex9AQ8IuA/SlO388P_NwI/AAAAAAAAIjk/m_tP5NDCqX4/s400/baby-carrots-400-lunchboxbunch.jpg. Accessed March 31, 2012.

Purpose: To enhance nutritional value of baby carrots through edible films (Vitamin E and Calcium)

Method: - Create xanthan gum solution mixed with calcium lactate and α-tocopheral acetate

- Dip peeled baby carrots in solution for 30 seconds twice

- Store in polyethylene bag for 21 days at 2°C with no light

Mei Y, Zhao Y, Yang J, Furr, HC. Using Edible Coating to Enhance Nutritional and Sensory Qualities of Baby Carrots. J. Food Sci. 2002;67:1964-1968.

Results: In 85g of baby carrots, Calcium content raised from 2.6% to 6.6% (based on 1000mg/d for DRI), Vita E content raised from 0% to over 70% (based on 15 mg/d for DRI)

Mei Y, Zhao Y, Yang J, Furr, HC. Using Edible Coating to Enhance Nutritional and Sensory Qualities of Baby Carrots. J. Food Sci. 2002;67:1964-1968.

ApplicationsResearch shows that foods can be fortified with

vitamins and minerals, can possibly allow health professionals to expand variety to consumers

May allow food industry to help market products.

Allergen alertMilkEggPeanutsTree nuts

Fish Shellfish Soy Wheat

Should food be labeled if edible films contains allergen?*

YES!

Wal-Mart. Accessed April 1, 2012.

ConclusionEdible films provide benefits

More research should be conducted about fortifying foods through edible films

Conduct more research in general.

References Belgacem M, Gandini A. Monomers, Polymers, and Composites

From Renewable Resources. The Netherlands: Elsevier Ltd; 2008. Skurtys O, Acevedo C, Pedreschi F, Enrione J, Osorio F, Aguilera

J.M. Food Hydrocolloid Edible Films and Coatings. Jiang Z, Neetoo H, Chen H. Efficacy of freezing, frozen storage,

and edible antimicrobial coatings used in combination for control of Listeria monocytogenes On Roasted Turkey Stored At Chiller Temperatures. Food Microbiology. 2011;28:1394-1401.

Mei Y, Zhao Y, Yang J, Furr, HC. Using Edible Coating to Enhance Nutritional and Sensory Qualities of Baby Carrots. J. Food Sci. 2002;67:1964-1968.