Aloe based fruit and veg coating comes to US market

ALOECOAT 1-BIO helps growers and packers protect fresh produce from bacteria and fungi and extend shelf life in fruits and vegetables by creating a biofilm over the surface of each fruit or vegetable, said the firm.

It is a polysaccharide based edible coating which does not affect taste, colour and odour of the product and is already in use in the Mexican fresh produce market.

Antifungal and antibacterial functions are provided by three components of aloe, the acemannan, cinnamic acid and chrysophanic acid.

Typical coatings used by industry such as mineral, animal or vegetal waxes only give brightness and a short shelf life, but no antibacterial or antifungal protection.

Modified atmosphere plastic bags offer protection but are made of a non-renewable resource, are not reusable and must be disposed with a cost, said the firm.

It is offered in a 20L plastic drum, 200L (55 gallon) drum and 1000L plastic tote.