The Role of Natural Antimicrobials in Food/Packaging Biopreservation

In food preservation, antimicrobials can be incorporated into foods in a variety of ways. This paper investigates the application of naturally occurring biopreservatives by way of a packaging system. The functions of the antimicrobial were also considered including their effect on pathogens and their extension of shelf-life. As part of a multiple hurdle technique, a "smart" packaging film can help improve the barrier to microbial growth in a food product. This should lead to increases in both the food safety and shelf-life of perishable foods.