Edible coatings for enhancing the shelf-life of foods: meaningful or myth

Abstract

In the current landscape, effective food management poses significant challenges, particularly in ensuring access to healthy, nutritious diets. Proper handling of food materials during post-harvest stages such as harvesting, packaging, transportation, and distribution are crucial for maintaining food quality, with packaging playing a pivotal role in extending the shelf life of perishable goods. However, the widespread use of conventional plastic packaging has detrimental effects on the environment. As a sustainable alternative, edible coatings have emerged as a promising solution for preserving food over extended periods. While these coatings are primarily used to prolong the shelf life of food products, this review delves deeper into the potential of edible coatings from various perspectives. Edible coatings not only offer multiple benefits such as environmental sustainability and improved food preservation but also present certain limitations. This article provides a comprehensive discussion of different types of edible coatings, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and their application to specific food products. Moreover, the current status and recent research developments surrounding edible coatings are explored, emphasizing their role as a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging methods that helps reduce environmental pollution and promote a healthier planet.