Innovations in Food Packaging to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

The threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is escalating globally, exacerbated by the excessive use of antibiotics in human and animal healthcare and the transmission through food products contaminated with resistant pathogens. As foodborne illnesses become more resistant to conventional treatments, public health risks intensify. The innovative field of food packaging plays a pivotal role in addressing AMR. With the advent of active and intelligent packaging technologies that incorporate antimicrobial agents or coatings, there is significant potential to improve food safety by limiting microbial contamination and extending the shelf life of food products. These technologies are particularly crucial in curbing the proliferation of common foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which frequently cause outbreaks. By diminishing the reliance on antibiotics in food production and distribution, antimicrobial food packaging stands as a crucial strategy in combating AMR, promoting safer food systems and sustainability in packaging materials.

This Research Topic aims to explore and develop innovative food packaging solutions that can effectively combat AMR. By embedding antimicrobial properties directly within packaging materials, the spread of resistant bacteria along the food supply chain can be minimized. This pursuit might include the creation of novel packaging technologies harnessing natural antimicrobial agents, nanomaterials, or advanced sensors capable of detecting and neutralizing pathogenic threats. Enhanced food packaging safety could substantially limit the spread of resistance, improve product shelf life, and decrease the dependence on antibiotics within the food industry. The objective is to generate actionable knowledge that fosters the creation of packaging solutions that are both sustainable and efficient in mitigating the AMR challenge.

To gather further insights into innovative food packaging solutions that counteract AMR, we invite contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Development of food packaging with natural antimicrobial agents

• Implementation of nanomaterials in packaging for enhanced microbial resistance

• Smart packaging systems that detect and inhibit the growth of pathogens

• Controlled-release mechanisms in antimicrobial packaging

• Biodegradable and sustainable packaging options with antimicrobial features

• Regulatory and safety considerations for antimicrobial packaging on the market

We also welcome manuscripts that provide scientific analyses of how these technologies can enhance food safety, extend product shelf life, and minimize the environmental footprint of packaging materials. Contributions of original research, review articles, and case studies that bear relevance to antimicrobial food packaging technologies are encouraged.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: AMR; Foodborne Pathogens; Food Packaging Innovation; Antimicrobial Food Packaging; Sustainable Packaging; ActivePackaging; Self-Sterilizing Packaging; Novel Packaging; Food Microbial Control; Preservation Technologies; Natural Antimicrobials

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.