Apple-based films protect meat against bacteria
According to research at the University of Arizona, apple-based edible films containing plant antimicrobials could protect red meat and poultry against harmful bacteria including E. coli and Listeria.
In a study published in the Journal of Food Science, test results showed that the two plant-derived antimicrobials, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, inactivated pathogenic bacteria on contaminated chicken breast and cooked ham.
They could also be used for other contaminated food products such as seafood, say the researchers.
The latest findings complement and extend other studies which also identified the inactivation of foodborne pathogens by the same antimicrobials added to ground meats.
The test products used in the study were skinless, boneless chicken breast, and cooked ham obtained from local stores.
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