Yummy protective coating

Oregon State University's scientists have cooked up an edible film that protects foods from spoiling.

The anti-microbial food wrap, made of chitosan (a fibre found in crab and shrimp shells) and lysozyme (the protein from egg whites), can also hold vitamins and other nutrients to boost the nutritional value of the food.

"You can use it as a film to wrap foods or you can use it as a spray or dip to coat foods," said food technologist Yanyun Zhao.

The researchers are now working on practical applications for the food wrap, with potential uses including packaging for hot dogs and sausages; packing films for cheese slices, blocks and sticks; and coatings for sliced fruits and vegetables that are highly perishable.

From Food Production Daily.