Application of Gelidium corneum Edible Films Containing Carvacrol for Ham Packages

We prepared an edible film of Gelidium corneum (GC) containing carvacrol as an antimicrobial and antioxidative agent. The GC film containing carvacrol significanlty decreased the WVR, while TS and %E values were increased, compared to the film without carvacrol. Increasing amounts of an antimicrobial agent increased antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Application of the film to ham packaging successfully inhibited the microbial growth and lipid oxidation of ham during storage. Our results indicate the GC film can be a useful edible packaging for food products, and the incorporation of carvacrol in the GC film may extent the shelf life.