. 2021 Sep 26;10(10):2282. doi: 10.3390/foods10102282

Table 3.

Potential advantages and pitfalls of NAMAs in edible packaging.

Potential Advantages	Pitfalls
Antimicrobial edible packaging has a higher area to volume ratio and hence more competent to reduce microorganisms. Edible in nature- can be consumed with food products without any adverse effects. Shelf life can be controlled. Non-toxic and safe Environment friendly and biodegradable In general, no interaction with food components enhances the organoleptic properties of food. Individual packaging of food products like mango, banana and strawberry is feasible. Compatible with different shapes and sizes also. Edible packaging with antimicrobials has demonstrated complemented optical, thermal, mechanical and physicochemical properties.	Antimicrobial edible films do not ensure food safety where unsanitary conditions during food handling are there. Exhibit poor mechanical characteristics. Hence, an additional synthetic packaging material will be required during food product distribution and storage. Production cost is high If hydrophilic constituents are selected for edible films during manufacturing, the films will exhibit poor moisture and water vapor barrier properties, thus defying the aim of ensuring safe food to consumers. Some essential oils used as NAMAs are under the GRAS category, while some are prohibited for cytotoxic effects, toxicological reasons, or allergenicity. Hence, regulatory aspect should be taken into consideration. Some essential oils, if not encapsulated, may lead to alterations in color or sensory characteristics of food. If the target pathogen has a very short lag phase, then the biopolymer, which slowly releases antimicrobial compounds, will be ineffective in controlling their growth. If the antimicrobial incorporated into edible packaging is congenial with the constituents of edible film, it may not get released. In contrast, it is has a conflicting approach it may be released very swiftly.

Potential Advantages

Pitfalls

Antimicrobial edible packaging has a higher area to volume ratio and hence more competent to reduce microorganisms.
Edible in nature- can be consumed with food products without any adverse effects.
Shelf life can be controlled.
Non-toxic and safe
Environment friendly and biodegradable
In general, no interaction with food components enhances the organoleptic properties of food.
Individual packaging of food products like mango, banana and strawberry is feasible.
Compatible with different shapes and sizes also.
Edible packaging with antimicrobials has demonstrated complemented optical, thermal, mechanical and physicochemical properties.

Antimicrobial edible films do not ensure food safety where unsanitary conditions during food handling are there.
Exhibit poor mechanical characteristics. Hence, an additional synthetic packaging material will be required during food product distribution and storage.
Production cost is high
If hydrophilic constituents are selected for edible films during manufacturing, the films will exhibit poor moisture and water vapor barrier properties, thus defying the aim of ensuring safe food to consumers.
Some essential oils used as NAMAs are under the GRAS category, while some are prohibited for cytotoxic effects, toxicological reasons, or allergenicity. Hence, regulatory aspect should be taken into consideration.
Some essential oils, if not encapsulated, may lead to alterations in color or sensory characteristics of food.
If the target pathogen has a very short lag phase, then the biopolymer, which slowly releases antimicrobial compounds, will be ineffective in controlling their growth.
If the antimicrobial incorporated into edible packaging is congenial with the constituents of edible film, it may not get released. In contrast, it is has a conflicting approach it may be released very swiftly.