Assignment 2 - Summary (Innovative food wrappers) Draft 1

Sam Jones’s Article “Spray-on, Rinse-Off Food ‘wrapper’ Can Cut Plastic Packaging” (2022) informs the public about the newly developed food coating that has the potential to minimize food waste and prevent foodborne illness without the use of plastic. This new coating is nontoxic, biodegradable and antimicrobial. 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. Additionally, 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 lead to spoilage, a major factor in food being thrown away. Moreover, some microorganisms are also the sources of illnesses, including listeriosis and Escherichia coli poisoning. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the ingredients in the food that we eat are properly protected and safe before it enters our stomachs.


Ref:

Jones, S. (2022, June 24). Spray-on, rinse-off food 'wrapper' can cut plastic packaging. Scientific American. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/spray-on-rinse-off-food-lsquo-wrapper-rsquo-can-cut-plastic-packaging/




Edited on 19/9/22