The effect of chitosan–gelatin coating and film on the rancidity development in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
mykiss) fillets during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1 C) was examined over a period of 16 days. Composite
and bilayer coated and film wrapped fish samples were analysed periodically for microbiological (total
viable count, psychrotrophic count) and chemical (TVB-N, POV, TBARS, FFA) characteristics. The results
indicated that chitosan–gelatin coating and film retained their good quality characteristics and extend
the shelf life of fish samples during refrigerated storage .The coating was better than the film in reducing
lipid oxidation of fillets, but there was no significant difference between them in control of bacterial
contamination.