An antioxidant active packaging was prepared by coating a citrus extract, consisting of a mixture of carboxylic
acids and flavanones, on polyethylene terephthalate trays. The effect of the packaging in reducing lipid oxidation
in cooked turkey meat and on meat pH, colour characteristics and sensorial parameters was investigated. An
untrained sensory panel evaluated the odour, taste, tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability of the meat,
using triangle, paired preference and quantitative response scale tests. A comparison between the antioxidant effects
of the different components of the extract was also carried out. The packaging led to a significant reduction
in lipid oxidation. After 2 days of refrigerated storage the sensory panel detected differences in odour and, after
4 days, rated the meat stored in the active packaging higher for tenderness and overall acceptability. Citric acid
appeared to be the most important component of the extract with regard to its antioxidant potency