Muscle based products provide excellent growth media for a variety of microorganisms. Microbial growth accelerates changes in the aroma, colour and texture of food resulting in shelf life reduction and increased risk of foodborne illnesses. The development of antimicrobial packaging presents a promising approach to actively control the growth of micro-
organisms (Kerry, 2014; Kerry et al., 2006). Antimicrobial food packaging materials extend the lag phase and reduce the growth phase of microorganisms in order to extend shelf life and to maintain food quality and safety (Han, 2000). Antimicrobial packaging materials have to be in direct contact with the food surface if they are non-volatile and can
be either immobilised on the materials surface or migrate into the food. Therefore, antimicrobial packaging is effective on food products
were the microbial contamination occurs at the surface (Appendini &
Hotchkiss, 2002).