Antioxidant activity and microbial safety of fresh-cut red cabbage stored in different packaging films

Packaging affects the physiological processes and maintains the quality and safety of food products, which is a critical element in the storage and sale of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Thus, the current study sought to establish optimal packaging for fresh-cut cabbage by assessing the physiological and biochemical reactions, nutritional changes, and microbial contamination of samples packaged with five different packaging films. Results demonstrated that polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) was most efficient in maintaining colour, anthocyanin and phenolic content, inhibiting polyphenol oxygenase activity, limiting browning, delaying weight loss, and reducing the respiration rate. Moreover, the PVDC samples exhibited the highest activity of free-radical scavenging enzymes (peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), providing superior reactive oxygen-species scavenging. Meanwhile, the polyethylene samples had the lowest total plate counts and total coliform counts after 6–12 d of storage. Whereas, the poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/poly lactic acid group exhibited superior inhibition of yeast and mold. After 12 d of storage, the microbial indices of all samples were within 105 CFU g−1, which was within the safety range for fresh-cut vegetables. Therefore, based on the sensory evaluation, physiological quality, antioxidant activity and microbial safety, PVDC film was identified as the best packaging candidate for fresh-cut red cabbage. •This work illuminates the mechanism of quality change in fresh-cut red cabbage.•Reveal the mechanism of regulating quality and safety by different packaging films.•Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) best retained colour and nutrients content.•For all films, microbial growth remained within food safety thresholds.•PVDC is recommended, performing best overall, and meeting safety requirements.