Assignment 2 - Summary (Innovative food wrappers) Draft 2

Jones’s (2022) article “Spray-on, Rinse-Off Food ‘wrapper’ Can Cut Plastic Packaging” informs the public about the newly developed food coating that has the potential to reduce food wastage and prevent foodborne illness without the use of plastic. This new coating is nontoxic, biodegradable and has antimicrobial properties. Pullulan, which is its primary ingredient, is an edible fiber that is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. What's more, the coating contains nisin, a bacterially created compound, as well as the naturally occurring antimicrobials citric acid, and thyme oil. All of these substances are considered to be safe for eating if given the appropriate amount. It is simple and effective to use and remove, simply spray the coating on, then run it under water to remove it. Jones explained that the purpose of it is to protect edible items from bacteria and other microorganisms, which may not only lead to spoilage, a major factor in food being thrown away, but also cause illnesses. Food packaging is one of the greatest contributors to plastic pollution. This harms our environment as plastics are non-biodegradable and if left untouched, will remain. The use of plastic as a material for packaging should be reduced and replaced for the new microbial coating as it is biodegradable, reducing its carbon footprints and is as convenient to package.