The effectiveness of PLA containing 2%, 5%, and 6.5% of a natural
extract of Allium spp. was assessed in the packaging of ready-to-eat
salad. The incorporation of Proallium® on PLA films slightly
improved their mechanical properties. Although no antioxidant
effect was observed, the antimicrobial effectiveness was confirmed
not only in the film but also in the packaged salad. In this regard,
yeast and moulds were more sensitive than enterobacterial and
aerobic bacteria to the antimicrobial activity of active films. The
highest concentration of active agent (6.5%) was found to be
effective throughout the storage time (7 days) against all microorganisms
assayed except for aerobic bacteria. Therefore, the developed
films, especially those containing 5% and 6.5% Proallium®,
exhibit strong potential for development as active food packaging
films.