Question

What material is commonly used for edible packaging?

• A. Polysaccharides & polyvinyl chloride
• B. Proteins & polyacrylamide
• C. Polysaccharides & Proteins
• D. Polyvinyl chloride & polyacrylamide

Hint:

Edible coatings are often applied directly onto fruits and vegetables (e.g., waxing of apples) to minimize moisture loss, retard respiration rates, and extend shelf-life during post-harvest storage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Edible packaging refers to thin, biodegradable films or coatings made from edible biopolymers that can be consumed directly along with the food product.
The raw materials used must be food-grade, non-toxic, and capable of forming cohesive, flexible structures.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The primary raw materials used to fabricate edible packaging are natural macromolecules:
- Polysaccharides: Starch, cellulose derivatives, chitosan, alginate, and pectin. They provide excellent oxygen barriers and structural integrity.
- Proteins: Whey protein, gelatin, casein, soy protein, and zein (corn protein). They have outstanding mechanical strength and gas barrier properties.
- Lipids (often blended to create composite films to improve water vapor resistance).
Synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyacrylamide are non-biodegradable, non-edible, and cannot be used in edible packaging formulations.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The materials commonly used are Polysaccharides & Proteins, which corresponds to option (C).