ABSTRACT
There is a wide variety of packaging systems available to extend the quality of fresh meat. Active packaging, which helps to extend the stability of packed meat, adds components in the built-in packaging system that either release or absorb active compounds into the packed foods or into the surrounding environment, enhancing the stability by improving the packaging performance. The antimicrobial components were added into the packaging films, sachets, or an absorbent pad, or they can be coated as a layer in the packaging material, so that such active compounds will be slowly released. These components can surround the food inhibiting or stopping microbial spoilage of food, thereby the product shelf stability will be extended. Incorporation of zinc oxide as an antimicrobial in active packaging systems has several advantages, such as good thermal, mechanical, and antimicrobial barrier properties with a larger surface area and less cytotoxicity.
