Effect of starch based edible antimicrobial films and modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) on extended life of composite sweetmeat.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the synergistic action of edible antimicrobial packaging with MAP to extend the shelf life of composite dairy confection. GRAS-approved- nisin and natamycin incorporated edible films were tried for their efficacy against Bacillus cereus and Aspergillus niger, in comparison with control films (without antibacterial agents) under MAP environment (N2 and CO2; 70:30) followed by refrigeration storage (4±2 °C). Results depicted a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference in the shelf-life of control and treated samples with reduced microbial proliferation, better sensory scores, and thereby achieving the shelf-life for treated samples of 42 days in contrast to 21 days in control. However, the variation between the two different antimicrobial films remained non-significant (p ≤ 0.05). The treated product remained significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more acceptable in terms of microbiological, physic-chemical, and sensory quality compared to control. Therefore, the developed antimicrobial edible films could be successfully used along with MAP for shelf-life extension of composite dairy foods.

Keywords

• Active packaging
• Antimicrobial activity
• Edible film
• Modified atmosphere packaging
• Shelf-life
• Sensory evaluation