Preventing fomite transmission using antiviral materials: Perspectives on food packaging after COVID-19 pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the recent COVID-19 pandemic, is highly contagious due to its exponential transmission rate, unlike other viruses in the coronavirus family. In addition to the usual transmission mode via respiratory droplets, fomite-mediated transmission has been another major cause of its high spreadability. Evidence shows that COVID-19 is transmitted through food packaging, which is believed to act as a fomite for the virus. Various reports also state that SARS-CoV-2 persists for at least three days on the plastic surfaces that form the basis of food packaging. This review highlights the importance of antiviral materials in food packaging to inhibit the fomite-based transmission of viruses. Much research has already been conducted on active antibacterial/antifungal packaging materials. Most constituent materials of antibacterial packaging, such as polymers, fillers, and active agents, possess antiviral properties and can be used to manufacture antiviral packaging materials. This review discusses these antiviral materials and focuses on their mechanism of action, current use, and recent developments in antiviral food packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the research prospects of these materials in the post-pandemic period have been discussed.