Effect of an active film from chitosan and pomegranate rind powder extract on shelf-life extension of pork meat patties

Chitosan (CH) film is widely used for the shelf life extension of food stuff. In order to improve its antioxidant activity, chitosan film containing pomegranate rind powder extract (PRP) was used as an active packaging material for pork meat patties stored at 4±1°C for 20 days. The physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory qualities of pork meat patties wrapped with CH-PRP film were compared with those wrapped with pure chitosan film and control group without chitosan film wrapping. A microbiological shelf-life extension of 8 days was achieved for CH and CH-PRP treatment groups when compared to the control group. Wrapping with CH-PRP film retarded the increases in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances values and metmyoglobin content. The samples wrapped with CH-PRP film could maintain acceptable sensory quality throughout the storage. A gradual release of phenolic compound was observed from CH-PRP film during storage. The results indicated that pomegranate rind powder extract incorporated into chitosan film enhanced the antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of the film and thus maintained quality and shelf life of pork meat patties.