Evaluation of EVOH-coated PP films with oregano essential oil and citral to improve the shelf-life of packaged salad

The aim of this study was to improve the present packaging of salad by combining modified atmosphere packaging with a new antimicrobial active bag consisting of PP/EVOH film with oregano essential oil or citral, with the purpose of extending shelf-life and reducing possible microbiological risks. The (O2) and CO2 barrier properties of PP/EVOH, mechanical properties (Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break) were determined and compared with those of standard PP films. Antimicrobial tests were carried out for enterobacteria, total aerobic counts, yeasts and moulds, and lactic acid bacteria and psychrotrophic bacteria, and the effect of the release of the antimicrobial agent on the sensory characteristics of the salads was also studied. The application of the EVOH coating results in an increase in the tensile resistance of the PP films and a reduction in the elongation at break. The results showed that microorganism counts bacteria decreased especially at the beginning of the storage period. OEO and CITRAL samples had reductions of 1.38 log and 2.13 log respectively against enterobacterias, about 2 log against yeasts and moulds. The total aerobic counts reduced 1.08 log with OEO and 1.23 log with CITRAL and the reduction of lactic acid bacteria and psychrotrophic was about 2 log. Citral-based films appeared to be more effective than materials containing oregano essential oil in reducing spoilage flora during storage time. Sensory studies also showed that the package with citral was the most accepted by customers at the end of the shelf-life.

► Development of antimicrobial film of PP/EVOH with oregano essential oil or citral. ► Active coating did not affect the functional properties of the packaging film. ► Antimicrobial films improved microbial stability at the beginning of storage. ► Consumers preferred salad packaged in active bags with citral at the end of storage.