Edible films and coatings are applied on many products to
control moisture transfer, gas exchange or oxidation processes.
One major advantage of using edible films and coatings is that
several active ingredients can be incorporated into the polymer
matrix and consumed with the food, thus enhancing
safety or even nutritional and sensory attributes. This review
discusses the use of edible coatings as carriers of functional ingredients
on fresh-cut fruits, including the recent advances in
the incorporation of antimicrob ials, anti brownings, texture enhancers
and nutraceuticals to improve quality and functionality
of fresh-cut fruits. Sensory implications, regulatory status
and future trends are also reviewed.