Application of eco-friendly active films and coatings based on natural antioxidant in meat products: A review

Demand for safe and healthy meat products with minimal synthetic antioxidants was dramatically increased. In addition, research on meat packaging is building momentum, primarily driven by severe consumer concerns about safety and quality. Therefore, the meat industry requires natural antioxidants to slow down the chemical oxidation processes. The current review examined the incorporation of natural antioxidants into active film and coatings, and other impacts on the various biopolymer films' barrier, optical, physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties are well discussed. Likewise, the potential use of natural antioxidants in meat packaging was also evaluated. As a natural preservative, plant extract improves stored meat product quality by microflora growth limitation and prevents lipid/protein oxidation. Accordingly, plant extract presents a future option for developing environmentally friendly active films in the meat industry.