Three chemists working in the Bioproduct Chemistry and Engineering Research Unit for the USDA/ARS at Albany, CA, received Technology Transfer Awards for "Outstanding Effort" from the ARS Feb. 13.
Dominic W.S. Wong, along with retired chemists, Atilla E. Pavlath and Wayne M. Camirand, developed edible film coatings that can be used to keep potatoes fresh in packaging for up to 28 days.
One calcium-based coating keeps cut potatoes, apples, pears and other lightly processed product on the shelf without turning dark.
A commercial product has been developed from the research and is currently being used by fresh-cut producers and the foodservice industries