In most fresh or processed products, microbial contamination is found mainly on the surface.
Therefore, EC based polysaccharides are applied and formed directly on the surface of food products and can be added with a paintbrush or by spraying, dipping, or fluidizing .
Moreover, active ingredients, such as antimicrobials or bioactive compounds (essential oils), can be incorporated into ECs to form edible active coatings (EACs) to more efficiently protect food surfaces and increase product quality and shelf life.