Shelf Life Research Articles

Modified Chitosan-Based Coating/Packaging Composites with Enhanced Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and UV-Resistant Properties for Fresh Food Preservation.

Chitosan-based biomass packaging materials are a promising material for food preservation, but their limited solubility, antioxidant capacity, UV resistance, and mechanical properties severely restrict their application. In this study, we developed a novel chitosan-based coating/packaging composite (QCTO) using quaternary ammonium salt and tannic acid (TA)-modified chitosan (QCS-TA) and oxidized chitosan (OCS). The introduction of quaternary ammonium salt and TA effectively improves the water solubility and antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-resistant properties of chitosan. The Schiff-base bond formed between OCS and QCS-TA, along with the TA-mediated multiple interactions, conferred the prepared composite film with good mechanical properties (69.9 MPa tensile strength) and gas barrier performance to water (14.3 g·h-1·m-2) and oxygen (3.5 g·mm·m-2·h-1). Meanwhile, the prepared QCTO composites demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and safety and are applied as coatings for strawberries and bananas as well as packaging films for mushrooms. These preservation experiments demonstrated that the prepared composites are able to effectively reduce weight loss, prevent microbial growth, maintain color, and significantly prolong the shelf life of fresh products (bananas, strawberries, and mushrooms extended shelf life by 6, 5, and 6 days, respectively). Therefore, the developed QCTO coating/packaging film shows great potential for applications in the field of food preservation and packaging.

Importance of Extending the Shelf Life of the Meat

Importance of Extending the Shelf Life of the Meat

A study on the performance of corn grain dryer using hybrid solar drying with liquefied petroleum gas

Corn is a widely produced and consumed agricultural product, used as fuel, staple food, and livestock feed. The high level of corn production can lead to potential post-harvest food losses. Drying methods offer a solution to extend the shelf life of a substance. Hybrid solar drying, which combines solar drying with additional heating, particularly using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), was introduced in this research to ensure faster and more efficient drying processes. The three drying methods compared in this study consist of open sun drying, natural solar drying, and hybrid solar drying. The research results show an average corn grain moisture content of 13.95% over 10.5 hrs, 13.75% over 6 hrs, 13.65% over 7 hrs, 13.45% over 5 hrs, and 13.65% over 4.5 hrs in open sun drying, natural solar drying, and hybrid solar drying with temperature variables of 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C. The average drying rates were 0.212 g/min, 0.364 g/min, 0.318 g/min, 0.439 g/ min, and 0.477 g/min, respectively. The average drying efficiency values for each variable were 2.968%, 4.719%, 5.358%, 5.271%, and 6.037%. In the proximate test, the corn grain moisture content in the hybrid solar drying variable at 60°C was 13.8%, ash was 1.24%, protein was 7.76%, fat was 4.40%, and carbohydrate was 72.8%. For the corn grain color test, the average values obtained were L = 46.48, a = 4.58, and b = 25.37. Meanwhile, the aflatoxin test for dried corn grains showed values of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 <0.5 with a total aflatoxin content <2.00. Therefore, hybrid solar drying is recommended over open sun drying and natural solar drying because of its ability to operate even in unfavorable weather conditions, its temperature control capability, its ability to accelerate the drying process, and its capacity to maintain the quality of the material.

Comparative Effects of HPP and Irradiation on Plant-Based Whole Hard-Boiled Eggs

This study compared the effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) and irradiation on the shelf life and quality of plant-based whole hard-boiled eggs. The objective was to determine the optimal treatment doses for microbial inactivation and shelf life, and to assess their impacts on the product's physical, chemical, and sensory properties. Irradiation treatments were applied at 0, 2, 3.5, and 5 kGy, while HPP was conducted at 0, 300, 400, and 500 MPa. Post-treatment analysis included assessments of physical, chemical, and microbial quality, focusing on Clostridium perfringens, and sensory evaluations using a 9-point hedonic scale. Shelf life was predicted using accelerated shelf-life testing (ASLT) at 40°C and 50°C, employing the temperature acceleration factor (Q10) and temperature quotient (Q1). Results showed that gamma irradiation at 3.5 kGy and electron beam irradiation at 5 kGy both provided a predicted shelf life of 217 days, while HPP at 500 MPa resulted in a predicted shelf life of 146 days. All treatments initially eliminated microorganisms effectively, but HPP showed potential for spore germination during extended storage. Sensory evaluations indicated that electron beam irradiation and HPP better maintained product quality compared to gamma irradiation at higher doses. This study provides valuable insights for food manufacturers seeking to enhance the safety and quality of plant-based egg alternatives using non-thermal processing methods.

Effect of ultraviolet radiation c treatment on preservation of Naematelia aurantialba in modified atmosphere packaging

Naematelia aurantialba, known for its health benefits but perishable due to high water content, has a limited market life. This study explored extending its shelf life using ultraviolet C radiation within modified atmosphere packaging. Ultraviolet C, typically used for sterilizing produce, has untapped potential for preserving Naematelia aurantialba. Samples underwent ultraviolet C with various intensities, then were stored at 2 ± 1 °C in packaging bags with 4081 mL/m2·d·atm oxygen transmission rate, with quality checks every seven days until day 42. Samples treated with 0.19 kJ/m² ultraviolet C radiation within the MAP system significantly slowed color and texture changes in N. aurantialba, maintaining cell integrity. This treatment also reduced the loss of aroma substances and significantly increased the total phenolic and flavonoid content in the N. aurantialba. Simultaneously, these samples demonstrated tester preference, highlighting the treatment's effectiveness in enhancing freshness and marketability.

Fabrication of rGO-decorated hBNNS hybrid nanocomposite via organic-inorganic interfacial chemistry for enhanced electrocatalytic detection of carcinoembryonic antigen.

Organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites (OIHN), with tailored surface chemistry, offer ultra-sensitive architecture capable of detecting ultra-low concentrations of target analytes with precision. In the present work, a novel nano-biosensor was fabricated, acquainting dynamic synergy of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) decorated hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (hBNNS) for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Extensive spectroscopic and microscopic analyses confirmed the successful hydrothermal synthesis of cross-linked rGO-hBNNS nanocomposite. Uniform micro-electrodes of rGO-hBNNS onto pre-hydrolyzed ITO were obtained via electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique at low DC potential (15V). Optimization of antibody incubation time, pH of supporting electrolyte, and immunoelectrode preparation was thoroughly investigated to enhance nano-biosensing efficacy. rGO-modified hBNNS demonstrated 29% boost in electrochemical performance over bare hBNNS, signifying remarkable electro-catalytic activity of nano-biosensor. The presence of multifunctional groups on the interface facilitated stable crosslinking chemistry, increased immobilization density, and enabled site-specific anchoring of Anti-CEA, resulting in improved binding affinity. The nano-biosensor demonstrated a remarkably low limit of detection of 5.47pg/mL (R2 = 0.99963), indicating exceptional sensitivity and accuracy in detecting CEA concentrations from 0 to 50ng/mL. The clinical evaluation confirmed its exceptional shelf life, minimal cross-reactivity, and robust recovery rates in human serum samples, thereby unraveling the potential for early, highly sensitive, and reliable CEA detection.

Advances in Non-thermal Food Processing Methods-Principle Advantages and Limitations for the Establishment of Minimal Food Quality as well as Safety Issues: A Review

Background: The demand from consumers for safe, healthy food with a long shelf life, with no change in taste or nutritive value, has made food safety a key concern in today's world. Traditional thermal food processing technology has trouble meeting these standards. Conventional thermal and non-thermal processing has limitations and to overcome these limitations more studies are conducted regarding the novel non-thermal food processing methods. Objective: The goal of this paper was to present an overview of the research on the development of non-thermal processing techniques, such as electrofreezing, high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, pulsed light, and plasma activated water, as well as their advantages and limitations. Methods: The present review aims to summarize findings related to novel non-thermal processing techniques, gathered from work published in scientific journals, related books, and book chapters from sources such as Web of Science (WoS), Google Scholar, Scopus and ScienceDirect. Results: Non-thermal treatment may result in more desirable outcomes, such as greater preservation of heat-sensitive nutrients, fewer changes in sensorial as well as physico-chemical quality of the processed foods. Conclusion: Compared to traditional heat processing, the nutritional value of foods is better preserved, and the sensory qualities of foods are less altered. These novel techniques can be combined with each other to achieve higher efficiency and overcome other limitations. More studies should be conducted regarding the combination of novel non-thermal techniques to achieve greater efficiency.

Evaluation of surface structure, water sorption properties, water plasticizing effect, and color stability of dried chrysanthemums

The storage stability of two varieties of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. HSGJ and C.morifolium Ramat. cv. JSHJ)was evaluated in this study through an analysis of their water binding behavior. This involved examining the surface structure of the powdered dried chrysanthemums, studying the water sorption characteristics, and quantifying the water plasticizing effect. In comparison to JSHJ, powdered HSGJ had a smaller particle size and more hydrophilic groups on its surface. Additionally, it exhibited significantly higher characteristic values of adsorbed water, excluding the number of adsorbed monolayers (Nam). The sorption of water by the powdered chrysanthemums conformed to a type II isotherm. The Guggenheim–Anderson–deBoer (GAB) model was trustworthy for predicting water sorption within the range of aw from 0.112 to 0.907 and temperatures between 20 and 40 oC. The exothermic interactions between water molecules and the primary sorption sites of the powdered samples became more powerful when the temperature decreased. Powdered chrysanthemums can be preserved at 30 °C if the humidity is below 0.0852 g/g for HSGJ and 0.0766 g/g (d.b) for JSHJ. The color changes of powdered samples were not significantly affected when stored in a glassy state. This study is significant for identifying the drying endpoint, predicting shelf life, and choosing suitable packaging materials for dried chrysanthemums.

Determining the impact of pre-pressing pretreatments applied to sugarcane on the aroma compounds and quality characteristics of sugarcane juice.

The study examined the effects of three pretreatments, blanching (5, 10, and 30min), ultrasound (15, 20, and 30min), and steam blanching (10, 20, and 30min) on sugarcane, assessing their impact on sugarcane juice quality parameters and aroma compounds. The control had the highest soluble solid content, while the ultrasound-15min (US-15min)-treated sample had the lowest, affecting pH, total acidity, and color values significantly. Color analysis showed lower L* values and less greenish tones in treated samples. The implemented pretreatments effectively reduce the browning index, with the US-20min treatment showing the most significant reduction compared to the control sample. All pretreatments deactivated polyphenol oxidase. Carbon isotope analysis yielded significant results. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering linked 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) with total phenolic content. The study also highlights significant variations in aroma compound profiles among pretreated sugarcane juice samples, with blanching for 10 min showing notable increases in specific compounds like 2-heptanone and nonanol. Hierarchical clustering showed similarities between blanching-30min and US-30min, contrasting with the control. Blanching-10min had a positive impact on sugarcane juice quality. In conclusion, the study emphasized how pretreatments affect physicochemical properties and aroma compounds in sugarcane juice. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The research findings suggest that blanching and ultrasound pretreatments can be used by the food industry to improve sugarcane juice quality by reducing browning, enhancing color, and altering aroma profiles. These pretreatments could extend the shelf life and appeal of sugarcane juice, making it more attractive to consumers while maintaining its nutritional properties.

Investigating the Impact of Storage Conditions on Quality and Shelf Life of Full-Fat and Defatted Roasted Date Seed Powders

Investigating the Impact of Storage Conditions on Quality and Shelf Life of Full-Fat and Defatted Roasted Date Seed Powders

Brassinosteroids enhance the tolerance, production, and fruit quality of covered table grape vines

ABSTRACT Plastic covering (PC) is used to speed up the ripening and harvesting of grapes while also shielding grapevines from unfavourable climatic conditions. This study aimed to determine how PC induced abiotic stress on covered vines and assess the role of brassinosteroids (Brs) in alleviating these impacts. The results showed that PC caused a substantial rise in soluble sugar, MDA, proline, total phenol, and antioxidant enzymes (catalase and ascorbate peroxidase) and decreased insoluble sugars and carbohydrates in ‘Superior' seedless grape leaves. Applying Brs at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mg/l twice during the berry development stages (pea and veraison) enhanced the plants’ ability to withstand PC-induced stress. The concentration of 3 mg/l Brs elevated some metabolic activities, including insoluble sugar, total carbohydrates, proline, and total phenol. Additionally, it increased the antioxidant enzyme activity. Meanwhile, 2 mg/l appeared to be the most effective concentration in achieving the highest cluster and berry weight, enhanced total soluble solids (TSS) and firmness, and reduced weight loss over shelf life. In conclusion, applying Brs could be a promising strategy to alleviate the adverse effect of abiotic stress on table grapes.

Influence of pH on the Stability of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Japan

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of pH on the stability of pharmaceutical compounds in Japan. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study showed that the ionization state of a drug molecule can change with pH, leading to different degradation pathways. Acidic or basic conditions can catalyze hydrolysis, oxidation, and other chemical reactions, causing the drug to lose potency or form harmful by-products. For instance, ester and amide bonds in pharmaceuticals are prone to hydrolysis at extreme pH levels, while oxidative degradation is more prevalent at neutral or slightly basic pH. The stability of certain antibiotics, vitamins, and biologics is particularly pH-sensitive, necessitating careful formulation to maintain optimal pH levels. Buffer systems are often employed to stabilize the pH within a range that minimizes degradation. Additionally, the pH of the solution can influence the solubility and bioavailability of the drug, impacting its therapeutic efficacy. Thus, understanding and controlling the pH environment is crucial in pharmaceutical formulation to ensure drug stability, efficacy, and safety throughout its shelf life. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Buffer theory, Arrhenius theory of acid-base reactions and Bronsted Lowry theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of pH on the stability of pharmaceutical compounds in Japan. Practically, it is imperative for pharmaceutical companies to implement rigorous pH control in the formulation and storage of drugs. On a policy level, regulatory agencies should establish stringent guidelines for the pH stability of pharmaceutical compounds.

Microbial Load and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Microflora Isolated from Smoked Catfish and Mackerel Sold in Ghanaian Markets: A Potential Health Threat

Introduction: Smoked fish, particularly catfish and mackerel, plays a vital role in the Ghanaian diet, serving as a rich source of protein and essential nutrients. Smoking is a traditional preservation method widely used to extend the shelf life of fish, enhance flavor, and make it more palatable. However, despite the advantages of smoking, the process does not entirely eliminate the risk of microbial contamination, which can have significant health implications. Aim of Study: This study examined the microbial flora contamination of the smoked fish sold in Ghanaian markets. Methodology: The research was conducted in three markets: Kejetia Market, Ejura Market and Ejusu. A total of 75 different smoke-dried fish including Cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) and Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from the markets. The fish samples were collected and kept in sterile polythene bags and transported to the laboratory for microbial analysis. Result: The study revealed that out of 75 samples analyzed, approximately 23% (n=17) were found to be contaminated with microorganisms. Escherichia coli had the highest occurrence, detected in 35.2% (6/17) of the total samples. Additionally, Shigella flexneri and Salmonella arizonae were each found in 17.6% (3/17) of the total samples. Klebsiella oxytoca was 11.7% (2/17), and Enterobacter aerogenes, Streptobacillus monilliforms, and Fusobacterium necrophorus each constituted 5.8% (1/17) of the total samples. All the identified isolates were susceptible to gentamycin (100%), and all the isolates were resistant to lincomycin (100%). Overall resistance rates for each antibiotic for all the organisms identified are lincomycin (100%), penicillin (67%), ampicillin (81%), erythromycin (65%), tetracycline (63%), neomycin (61%), cloxaxillin (43%), kanamycin (24%), and sulphamethaxole (13%). All the isolates have 100% resistance to at least three antibiotics used except for Salmonella arizonae. Conclusion: To Address these findings, a collaborative effort is required among regulatory authorities, food producers, and healthcare providers to implement stringent food safety protocols and mitigate the risks associated with contaminated fish consumption.

Categorization of the Inevitable Causes of Blood and Components Wastage Detected in South Indian Urban Blood Centre

Background: Since there is no artificial substitute for human blood, it plays a vital role in the patient management in this era of modern medicine. Therefore the donated blood from a healthy donor is precious and must not be wasted without proper utilization. Blood wastage is a universal phenomenon which needs a careful approach with strict guidelines. The study aims at categorizing the various inevitable causes of wastage with an attempt to determine ways of preventing the loss due to non-utilization. Materials and Methods: A retrospective – cross sectional study was conducted in a newly started Stand-alone Blood Centre in South Indian Urban city between June, 2022 and June 2024.All the components including Whole Blood (WB), Packed Red Blood Cell Concentrate (PRBC), Platelet concentrate (PC) and Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) were included in the study. The reasons for blood and component wastage was noted down from the various Registers of the Blood Centre and all the data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel Spread Sheet. Results: A total of 2456 units of blood were collected. 5284 components were prepared from these which includes 42 units of Whole Blood, 2397 Packed Red Blood cells(PRBC), 2393 Fresh frozen Plasma(FFP), 452 Platelet Concentrate(PC).Overall discard rate was found to be 11.90%. PC discard rate was highest (49.34%) followed by WBU (19.04%), PRBC (13.01%) AND FFP (3.59%). The commonest cause for the discarding was expiry of the shelf life of blood bags (74.72%) followed by damaged bags (9.69%) and TTI’s (6.76%). Conclusion: Blood and its components wastage is an inevitable reality which needs to be approached as upmost priority. Zero wastage of blood and components may be targeted by recommendations like appropriate training of the blood bank staff, keeping negative group donors on reserve, strictly following FIFO policy while dispensing blood, whole blood unit collection may be minimized, encouraging Single Donor Platelets (SDP) by apheresis instead of Random Donor Platelets (RDP) preparation, Blood Utilization Committee to be made mandatory and permission for reciprocal sharing of blood components among blood banks.

Shelf‐life extension of fresh mushrooms: From conventional practices to novel technologies—A comprehensive review

AbstractMushroom is an edible fungus grown worldwide because of its nutritional and commercial value. The demand for mushrooms is rising annually because of increased awareness of the dietary benefits of mushrooms. Mushrooms are a perishable commodity as they respire continuously after harvesting. Adequate packaging or processing is required to increase mushrooms' shelf life. The quality of mushrooms continues to decline after harvesting, including browning, moisture loss, texture changes, increased bacteria, and loss of flavor and nutrients. Postharvest preservation methods, including physical, chemical, and thermal treatments, are necessary to preserve postharvest quality and increase the shelf life of mushrooms. The postharvest technology of mushrooms must be improved to fulfill the increasing demand for mushrooms. There are many conventional techniques to protect the quality and increase the shelf life of mushrooms. Conventional procedures frequently result in considerable nutritional, texture, and flavor losses and shorter shelf lives. In contrast, modern technologies preserve mushrooms with increased nutritional retention, improved texture and flavor profiles, and longer shelf life. This review covers not only the conventional technologies like drying and cooling but also elaborates on the shelf‐life extension of mushrooms through novel technologies like pulse electric field, pulsed light, electrolyzed water, etc.

Advances in submerged liquid fermentation and formulation of entomopathogenic fungi.

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) can be defined as beneficial multifunctional eukaryotic microorganisms that display pivotal ecological services in pest management, with some species possessing the special ability to establish mutualistic relationships with plants. Mass production of these fungi is critical to support affordable widespread commercialization and worldwide field application. Among the mass production methods explored mainly by industry, submerged liquid fermentation is a robust and versatile technology that allows the formation of different types of propagules designated for various applications in pest control. Many hypocrealean EPF are easily culturable on artificial substrates by producing single-celled structures (hyphal bodies, blastospores, and submerged conidia) or multicellular structures (mycelium and microsclerotia). Less frequently, some EPF may form environmentally resistant chlamydospores, but these structures have almost always been overlooked. A continued research pipeline encompassing screening fungal strains, media optimization, and proper formulation techniques aligned with the understanding of molecular cues involved in the formation and storage stability of these propagules is imperative to unlock the full potential and to fine-tune the development of robust and effective biocontrol agents against arthropod pests and vectors of diseases. Finally, we envision a bright future for the submerged liquid fermentation technology to supplement or replace the traditional solid substrate fermentation method for the mass production of many important EPF. KEY POINTS: • Submerged liquid fermentation (SLF) allows precise control of nutritional and environmental factors • SLF provides a scalable, robust, and cost-effective platform for mycopesticide production • Enhancing formulation, shelf life, and field efficacy of submerged propagules remain crucial • Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind submerged propagule formation is key to advancing SLF technology.

Electrospun Polymeric Fiber Systems Inoculated with Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive: A Novel Hemostatic Alternative during Open Surgery

Natural-based and synthetic tissue adhesives have attracted extensive attention in the last two decades for their ability to stabilize uncontrolled bleeding instances. However; these materials present several drawbacks during use that scientists have tried to minimize in order to optimize their usage. This study comprises the development of a novel wound dressing, combining the excellent properties of polylactic acid (PLA) non-woven textile, as substrate, obtained through electrospinning, and a cyanoacrylate-based (CA) tissue adhesive, for rapid hemostatic action. Thus, the fabrication of electrospun PLA membranes at three different PLA concentrations, the design and manufacturing of the support system and the production of surgical patches were carried out. SEM and FT-IR methods were employed for analyzing the morphology as well as the indicative markers for the shelf life evolution of the obtained patches. PLA fibers with well-defined structures and a mean diameter varying between 4.6 and 7.24 μm were obtained with the increase of the concentration of the PLA solutions. In vivo tests on a rat model as well as peeling tests for good patch adhesion on liver fragments harvested from the test animals, with a limit for the strength of the liver tissue of 1.5 N, were carried out. The devices exhibited excellent adhesion to the parenchymal tissue and a long enough shelf life to be used with success in surgical procedures, also facilitating prompt hemostatic action.

Maximizing the Nutritional Benefits and Prolonging the Shelf Life of Millets through Effective Processing Techniques: A Review

Maximizing the Nutritional Benefits and Prolonging the Shelf Life of Millets through Effective Processing Techniques: A Review

Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils Against Microbes Associated with Street Food

This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of five essential oils (EOs), namely clove, lemongrass, mint, oregano, and black cardamom, at different concentrations, in fighting microorganisms that were isolated from selected food samples obtained from local street food vendors. The microorganisms isolated from the food samples were Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., Proteus sp., Acinetobacter sp., Moraxella sp., Escherichia sp. (gram-negative bacteria), and Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Lactobacillus sp., Micrococcus sp. (gram-positive bacteria). The antimicrobial effects of these oils were tested, and the results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a significance level of p<0.001. The tests were carried out using different concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% (v/v) against isolates obtained from raw and street food. It was found that clove oil had the highest effect, followed by mint oil, black cardamom oil, and oregano oil. However, lemongrass oil showed the least antimicrobial effect. The results indicate that clove, mint, and black cardamom EOs are highly effective in controlling pathogenic bacteria. These oils can be used to prevent bacterial growth, extend shelf life, and increase the safety of street food.

Surface Heterogeneity at the Polymer-Food Interface Influences Ag Migration from Plastic Packaging Incorporating Ag-Exchanged Zeolites.

Silver-enabled polymers, with their antimicrobial properties, could prolong the shelf life and maintain quality in packaged foods. However, there is limited understanding about how the Ag form in the polymer, food chemistry, and other factors affect the transfer (migration) of Ag from the polymer to the food under the intended conditions of use. In this study, we investigated the release of Ag from polymer composites (PCs) incorporating two different Ag-exchanged zeolites (Ag-Y), which have been explored as potential scaffolds for loading high concentrations of Ag within common polymers. We manufactured two Ag-Y films based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE): one incorporating ionic Ag (Ag+) and one incorporating nanoparticulate Ag (AgNPs), each with similar initial Ag concentrations. Then, we assessed the migration of Ag out of these PCs into food simulants under accelerated room temperature storage conditions. In all simulants investigated, the Ag+-Y/LDPE film exhibited a higher migration of Ag compared to the AgNP-Y/LDPE film, suggesting a lower fraction of readily releasable Ag in the latter material. Total Ag migration from AgNP-Y/LDPE over 10 days at 40 °C was 11.10 ± 2.05 ng cm-2 of packaging surface area in water, 7.63 ± 1.59 ng cm-2 in a 9 wt % aqueous sucrose solution, and 21.29 ± 1.98 ng cm-2 in a commercial sweetened carbonated beverage (Squirt). In contrast, Ag migration from Ag+-Y/LDPE was measured at 49.61 ± 3.46, 57.48 ± 9.65, and 91.54 ± 5.58 ng cm-2 in water, sucrose solution, and Squirt drink, respectively. Surface characterization techniques, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and conductivity measurements, revealed the presence of exposed zeolite particles at the surface of the films, suggesting that direct interactions between Ag-exchanged zeolites and food components at the simulant-polymer interface play an important role in determining Ag migration from Ag-Y/LDPE PCs.