Coating in the Food System is important for shelf life extension, quality enhancement, and preservation of the nutritional value of the food products. It is a thin layer of material formed directly on the surface of a material, which can be a food product or food contact material. When applied to a food product, it acts as a semi-permeable barrier to gases, extending shelf life and protecting food integrity. Food coating enhances the taste, texture, and visual appeal of the food products apart from acting as a protective barrier and providing additional flavors, resulting in an enhanced eating experience. The multipurpose role of coatings in food systems has led to the expansion of its market.
Coating in the Food System: Significance and New Developments
Food processors use polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, or a combination of these materials for making edible films and coatings. In addition, they also use some of the plasticizers and surfactants to improve end-product characteristics such as taste, texture, and visual appeal. The food processors apply various types of food materials to provide them with new textures, colors, and flavors. These coatings are multifunctional in approach. They also provide a barrier against microbial activity, Ultraviolet radiation, a semi-permeable medium for gases, and preservation of nutrients. There are various innovations in the food coating domain such as UV-resistant coating. Various types of coatings are:
UV-Blocking Coatings
Some of the food materials are prone to damage when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This is due to the unique chemical, physical, and biological properties of foods. To check this exposure, food processors add a small quantity of biocompatible materials with maximum light absorption in the UV region (200–400 nm). Some of these coatings are in the form of biopolymer films which contain hydroxy, amino, alcohol, acid, ketone, amino, and aldehyde, functional groups. Although these preservatives are chemical in origin, they are certified edible and safe.
Companies Involved
3M, Master Bond, Tikkurila, Noblelight, and AIT Technology are some of the companies that manufacture UV-blocking coating.
Antimicrobial Coating
These coatings are formed by applying a chemical agent on the food surface. It can stop or retard the growth of disease-causing microorganisms, pathogens, and allergens. The use of antimicrobial agents in biopolymer-based edible films is a significant advancement in active food packaging technology. These films inhibit or kill the pathogenic/spoilage microbes causing food contamination. These coatings further reduce the potential undesirable flavors produced due to the direct incorporation of active compounds in foods. These antimicrobial bio-based packaging systems have got an edge after the development of nanotechnology and the advent of bio-nanocomposites and nano-encapsulation systems.
Companies Involved
BASF, DOW, PPG Industries, DSM, and Solace Nutrition are some of the companies that provide solutions for Antimicrobial coating in the food industry.
Water Resistant Coatings
These coating materials are used to protect the food materials from water. These coatings are of different types. These include Polyurea Coating, Epoxy Coating, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Coating, Urethane Coating, and Polyurethane Coating.
Companies Involved
Solenis, BASF, DIC Corporation, Mallard Creek Polymers (MCP), and Print-Pack Corporation are some of the companies that provide water-resistant coating for the food industry.
Degradable Coatings
These coatings are thin layers of coatings made from natural, edible biopolymers. They help to enhance shelf life, preserve quality, and improve the appearance of the food. They are also environmentally friendly and safe for consumption. These coatings are based on lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, agriculture waste, and polyesters. These coatings provide a barrier against water vapor and oxygen, mechanical and surface characteristics (sealability and adhesion), as well as antimicrobial properties.
Companies Involved
Kerry, Cargill, Ingredion, ADM, and DSM are some of the companies that provide solutions in degradable coating for the food processing industry.
Coating in the Food System: Market Analysis, Current Trends and Forecast
According to Dimension Market Research, the global food coating market will grow by USD 3.2 billion by 2033. It will grow at a CAGR of 6.8 % during the forecasted period of 2025 to 2033. According to it, the Sugar & Syrup segment is projected to be the dominant force in the food coating market, capturing the largest revenue share of 33.2% in 2024. In terms of forms, the liquid segment took the lead with the highest market share in the global food coating market by the end of 2024. Confectioneries & bakery products hold the largest market share of 28.3% and dominate the food coating market in 2024.
Food Coating Equipment Market
In the food coating Equipment market, the market consists of different segments such as Coaters and applicators and enrobers based on equipment type. Coaters and Applicators will witness significant growth among equipment types throughout the forecast period. According to the research analysis, North America will dominate the market, capturing a revenue share of 41.2% in 2024.
Coating in the Food System: National and International Standards
National Regulations: FSSAI Standards
In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is the nodal body responsible for regulating the coating of food. Following are some of the standards by it:
- It prohibits the sale of food coated with mineral oil unless permitted.
- It prohibits the use of coated food for infant food.
- It permits edible coatings of beeswax, carnauba wax, or shellac wax on fresh fruits at levels not exceeding Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- As per the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, the FSSAI requires labeling on products that are coated.
International Regulations: USFDA Standards
- FDA regulates the type of coating for food. It regulates the substances that directly contact food and terms them direct contact substances. These are substances that might come into contact with food.
- It recognizes that a functional barrier can prevent a substance from migrating into and becoming a component of food.
- FDA ensures that these substances are safe for food contact under specific conditions. Further, manufacturers must demonstrate that their coatings are compliant with FDA regulations based on the composition and intended use.
Conclusion
The novel techniques of food coatings not only help to preserve food but also provide new colors, flavors, and texture to the food. It helps to increase the shelf-life of food products, improve the sensory properties of food, and maintain freshness of the food products. These coatings can help to reduce the dependency on traditional food packaging materials by reducing their usage. Further, some of the innovative coatings containing nutrients such as protein can help to fight malnutrition.