Biopolymer Film with Sodium Lactate and Diacetate for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Deli Meat

Food packaging significantly contributes to environmental pollution, prompting a shift toward sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. This study developed plastic-alternative films using chicken skin gelatin and a combination of sodium lactate and sodium diacetate (LD) as antimicrobial agents. The research aimed to evaluate both the mechanical properties of these films and their antimicrobial effectiveness against Listeria monocytogenes and spoilage microorganisms in fully cooked beef bologna over 12 weeks of refrigerated storage. Results showed that the LD-incorporated film initially exerted a bacteriostatic effect (day 1 to week 4), followed by a bactericidal effect (~2 log CFU/g reduction) during weeks 5–6, and returned to a bacteriostatic effect through weeks 7–12. Additionally, the film reduced spoilage microorganism counts by 0.6 log CFU/g by the end of the storage period. These findings highlight the potential of antimicrobial biopolymer films as an effective strategy to improve food safety and shelf life of RTE meat products, while also addressing environmental concerns through the use of agriwaste-derived biodegradable materials. The study supports the integration of clean-label antimicrobial packaging as a practical approach for the food industry to control serious foodborne pathogens like L. monocytogenes during product storage.