Effect of antimicrobial packaging on physicochemical and microbial quality of chicken drumsticks

- Chitosan, nisin, PS or AgZeo incorporated bags were used as antimicrobial packaging.
- Chicken drumsticks were packaged with antimicrobial bags under vacuum.
- Antimicrobial packaging show inhibitory effect on microbial growth.
- Chitosan was the most effective on APC, total coliform and mold and yeast counts.
- Chitosan and nisin can be suggested as potential use in active packaging of foods.

The effects of antimicrobial agents (nisin, chitosan, potassium sorbate (PS) or silver substituted zeolite (AgZeo)) incorporated into low density polyethylene (LDPE) on the physicochemical and microbial quality of chicken drumsticks stored at 5 °C for 6 days were investigated. Active multilayer bags (LDPE/polyamide/LDPE-containing 2% antimicrobial agent) were used to pack chicken drumsticks under vacuum. Their efficiency in inhibiting total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (APC), total coliforms and total molds and yeasts were evaluated by comparison with control bag (LDPE-polyamide-LDPE). APC counts of samples packed in bags containing chitosan, nisin, AgZeo and PS were 1.03, 0.98, 0.51, and 0.17 log respectively were lower than those of samples packed in control bags. Samples packaged in active bags had lower microbial counts and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values than those of samples packed in control bags. The pH, color and hardness of the samples were not affected significantly by use of different packaging films (p > 0.05). Therefore, the bag including chitosan or nisin can be suggested as a suitable packaging material for chicken drumstick to increase safety and quality.