Antimicrobial Packaging for Seafood

Abstract

Aquatic food products suffer microbiological and biochemical spoilage. The development of effective processing treatments to extend their shelf life is a must. Films and coatings supporting antimicrobials are among the stress factors proposed to meet this demand. Regarding the safety of ready-to-eat aquatic products, the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes is relevant since it is the cause of many outbreaks. The objective of this article is to review the bibliography of recent years concerning the development of films and coatings for extending the shelf life of aquatic products. Methods of films and coatings elaboration and characteristics of the main biopolymers and antimicrobials used are discussed. Furthermore, the interactions between biopolymers and antimicrobials are analyzed, along with the effects of these interactions on the functionality of films and coatings and on antimicrobial activity.