<p style="text-align: justify;">Environmental concerns over disposal of nonrenewable food packaging materials contributed to renewed interest in development of edible coating &amp; films. Meat is one of the most nutrient rich food items and is therefore, highly perishable item due to a considerable microbial load and its autolytic degradation. Edible films and coatings extend the shelf life of foods and others by acting as barriers and also as carriers of substances to inhibit pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. So, it was proposed to develop edible film as primary packaging material and LDPE film as secondary packaging material for luncheon chicken slices to protect from environmental hazards. The present study revealed 2% carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) best suited for the preparation of edible film on the basis of parameters like elongation ability, film solubility and transparency. As in the cases of 1% and 1.5% levels of carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) film, although they were superior in film solubility and elongation ability, it was difficult to wrap meat products with that due to their poor mechanical property.</p>


Selection of biopolymers to develop a biodegradable and edible film for packaging of luncheon chicken meat slices