Abstract
Meat is a popular animal-based food globally, but it is highly sensitive to deterioration during storage due to high nutrient content. Thus, different preservation methods have been applied to preserve the meat and meat products in certain desirable periods. However, most packaging technology in commercial markets is developed from petroleum and synthetic polymeric materials. These packaging materials are becoming unacceptable by consumers due to their negative effects on the environment. Hence, bio-based, ecofriendly packaging materials for meat preservation have been highly sought after. In this regard, chitosan and nanochitosan-based packaging materials are gaining attention globally due to their outstanding properties such as nontoxicity, biodegradable nature, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial properties. Based on the literature, chitosan-based films can prevent drip loss, maintain moisture balance, reduce harmful lipid and protein oxidation, promote desired color, smell, taste, and provide microbiological safety of meat. Therefore, this chapter describes cutting-edge information about the use of chitosan and nanochitosan to preserve meat. Going forward, chitosan-based packaging materials are anticipated to be suitable for replacing synthetic packaging materials in the meat industry.