Drivers and Barriers for Commercial Uptake of Edible Coatings for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Industry- A Review

Abstract

As the world population is expected to rise to nearly eleven billion by 2050, a concomitant rise in the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) is expected. FFV are highly perishable and constitute 20% of the global food wastage with nearly 30% of the losses occurring at the postharvest (PH) phase. This represents a challenge to ensure food and nutrition security for future generations. A proposed solution is the use of edible coatings incorporating natural ingredients that have the potential to reduce PH losses. Rising consumer demands for healthy, safe and sustainable food have translated to a greater acceptance of natural edible coatings. Edible coatings are hydrocolloid-based layers often applied to the surface of FFV to confer physical protection as well as extending shelf-life and consumer attraction. Although there has been extensive research on edible coatings, their widespread use has been limited due to a number of challenges such as a lack of standards and regulations, limited market research on consumer opinion and purchase intent, difficulties in scaling-up for industrial application and environmental sustainability concerns. This article attempts to shed light on the drivers fostering, as well as barriers impeding, commercial uptake of edible coatings in the FFV industry.

Sustainable biodegradable coatings for food packaging: challenges and opportunities

“…238 In the US, most polysaccharides including xanthan gum that are used as major components in edible coatings are approved by the FDA. 235 Chitosan/tannic acid/ corn starch bilayer films showed reduced WVP compared with chitosan film, and coating of these bilayer films on banana improved its storage time from 3 to 6 days. 239 However, tannic acid sensitivity to pH, light, and oxidation can cause a migration issue from the film.…”

“…235 A recent survey on the consumer perception of FFV with edible coatings showed that 79.3% of the respondents would buy edible-coated FFV if it is approved by the FDA. 235,236 For example, there are super hydrophobic edible coatings produced from FDA-approved (as generally recognized as safe (GRAS)) carnauba wax and beeswax for application on food containers to easily remove liquid food. 237 Xanthan gum-based coating on fresh cut lemon increased the storage time (at 4 °C) to 21 days.…”

“…On the other hand, a lack of standards and regulations, difficulties in scale-up, environmental sustainability concerns, and limited market research on consumer ideas and purchase intent, have limited the widespread application of edible coatings. 235 A recent survey on the consumer perception of FFV with edible coatings showed that 79.3% of the respondents would buy edible-coated FFV if it is approved by the FDA. 235,236…”

“…235 A recent survey on the consumer perception of FFV with edible coatings showed that 79.3% of the respondents would buy edible-coated FFV if it is approved by the FDA. 235,236…”

“…It is important to note that there is a great debate about the application of edible coatings on foodstuff like fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV). Cloete et al 235 highlighted that there is a wide disparity across different regions of the world on established regulations for edible coatings, and concluded that the industrial application of edible coatings are not fully viable.…”