Extension of the shelf-life of foal meat with two antioxidant active packaging systems

- Active films with oregano led to inhibition of metmyoglobin formation.
- The use of oregano active film resulted in a decreased lipid and protein oxidation.
- Extension of the shelf-life of foal meat with an antioxidant active packaging.
- Active packaging reduced the growth of microorganisms during refrigerated storage.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of antioxidant active system on physico-chemical properties, the microbial counts, lipid and protein stability and the sensory properties' changes of foal steaks during storage time. The experimental packaging systems were: (i) control group was packaged without active film, (ii) ATOX group was packed with active film containing a 2% of an oregano essential oil and (iii) ATGT group was packed with active film containing 1% of a green tea extract. Samples were filled with 80% O2/20%CO2 atmosphere and displayed under illumination at 2 °C for 14 days. Microbial populations were reduced up to 3.60 log CFU/g on day 14 of storage with the most pronounced effect being achieved by green tea film. Active films with oregano led to a significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of metmyoglobin formation. The use of oregano active film resulted in a decreased lipid and protein oxidation of foal steaks. Active films with oregano were significantly (P < 0.05) more efficient than those with green tea extended fresh odour and colour from 7 to 14 days compared to the control.