Application of intelligent packaging for meat products: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Today, in response to consumer demand and market trends, the development of new packaging with better performance such as intelligent packaging has become more important. This packaging system is able to perform intelligent functions to increase shelf life, increase safety and improve product quality. OBJECTIVES: Recently, various types of packaging systems are available for meat products, especially cooked, fresh and processed meats. But because meat products are very perishable, monitoring their quality and safety in the supply chain is very important. This systematic article briefly reviews some of the recent data about the application of intelligent packaging in meat products. METHODS: The search was conducted in Google Scholar, Science Direct, Elsevier, Springer, Scopus, and PubMed, from April 1996 to April 2021 using a different combination of the following keyword: intelligent packaging, and meat. RESULTS: The results showed that the intelligent packaging presents several benefits compared to traditional packaging (e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant, and shelf life extension) at the industrial processing level. Thus, these systems have been applied to improve the shelf life and textural properties of meat and meat products. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to control the number of intelligent compounds that are included in the packaging as they clearly influence the quality and nutritional properties as well as the final cost of the food products.