Sustainable meat preservation: The role of Biodegradable coatings in enhancing quality and shelf life of Camel meat

As the global population grows, the demand for food, including meat products, is rising. This increasing demand poses significant challenges to food security, necessitating a boost in production, improvements in distribution and minimising losses. While effective in preserving food quality, traditional synthetic packaging films present substantial environmental challenges due to their non-biodegradability. These materials contribute to long-term pollution and waste management issues, prompting the need for more sustainable alternatives. In response to these environmental concerns, biodegradable films and coatings have emerged as viable alternatives. These eco-friendly materials are designed to break down naturally, reducing the environmental footprint associated with food packaging. Among the various types of biodegradable coatings, polysaccharide, protein, and lipid-based coatings have shown considerable promise. These coatings, derived from natural sources, offer a range of benefits, including improved barrier properties, enhanced mechanical strength, and the ability to extend the shelf life of meat products. Additionally, incorporating antimicrobial agents into these coatings can further improve their effectiveness. Antimicrobial coatings help to inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms and pathogens, thereby improving the safety and quality of meat products. Composite coatings, which combine multiple types of biodegradable materials, offer a synergistic effect, providing superior protection and preservation. Like other meat products, Camel meat is susceptible to spoilage and quality degradation during storage and distribution. Polysaccharide, protein, lipid-based coatings, and antimicrobial and composite coatings have shown promise in improving the quality, shelf life, and safety of fresh, processed, and frozen camel meat. The insights provided will assist meat processors in selecting the most suitable coating materials to enhance the preservation and quality of camel meat and other meat products. By adopting these innovative packaging solutions, the meat industry can contribute to food security while addressing environmental sustainability. This approach ensures a steady supply of high-quality meat products and aligns with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of food packaging.

کلیدواژه ها:

Camel meat preservation ، Biodegradable coatings ، Antimicrobial coatings ، Food security ، Environmental sustainability