Effects of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/TiO2 nanocomposite antimicrobial films on chilled pork quality

In this study, different packaging materials—commercially available polyethylene (PE) freezer bag, poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) film and PBAT nanocomposite antimicrobial films—were tested for optimum cold storage (4 ± 1°C) of pork. The pork samples wrapped with the PBAT nanocomposite films showed significantly lower aerobic plate count (APC), sensory score decline, drip loss and water activity compared to the PE‐ or PBAT‐wrapped samples after the same cold storage duration. In addition, PBAT nanocomposite films slowed the increase in pH value, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) content of the samples during cold storage extended the shelf life of chilled pork by 12–15 days by inhibiting surface microbial growth. PBAT nanocomposite films can extend the shelf life of chilled pork approximately 10 days compared to the commercial available PE film due to strong antimicrobial and oxygen barrier effects.