Carvacrol and thymol effect in vapor phase on Escherichia coli and Salmonella serovar Typhimurium growth inoculated in a fresh salad.

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of thymol and carvacrol in inhibiting Escherichia coli and Salmonella serovar Typhimurium inoculated on a fresh green salad through the vapor phase. A film-forming solution was prepared by dissolving starch, sorbitol, and variying concentrations of carvacrol, thymol, and a mixture of both. The film-forming solution containing the respective antimicrobial agent was then added lid, which was sealed rigidly and hermetically to achieve different concentrations (105 mg/L of air of carvacrol, 105 mg/L of air of thymol, and a mixture of 52 mg/L of air of carvacrol and 52 mg/L of air of thymol). Each active package contained fresh green salad inoculated with E. coli or Salmonella serovar Typhimurium. The active packages were then sealed and refrigerated at a temperature of 6 °C for 48 h. Growth/inhibition curves were modelled using the Weibull equation, and consumer acceptance was evaluated. Carvacrol can reduce up to 0.5 log-cycles, while thymol can reach almost 1 log cycle. Blending the components with half the concentration has a synergistic effect, inhibiting up to 2.5 log cycles. Consumer ratings revealed no significant differences between the packages. However, the average score was 5.4 on a 9-point hedonic scale, evaluators' comments did not indicate dislike or a strong taste characteristic of thymol and carvacrol.

Oral administration of resveratrol reduces oxidative stress generated in the hippocampus of Wistar rats in response to consumption of ethanol.

Introduction: Chronic ethanol intake has been found to favor hippocampal deterioration and alter neuronal morphological maturation; resveratrol has been suggested as an antioxidant that may counteract these effects. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of resveratrol on oxidative stress markers, endogenous antioxidant system in the hippocampus, and the behavior of male Wistar rats administered different concentrations of ethanol. Methods: The animals, at 3 months old, were randomly distributed into 11 study groups (n = 6/group), orally administered (5 days on, 2 days off) with water (control), ethanol (10, 20, 30, 40 or 50%), or ethanol (10, 20, 30, 40 or 50%) plus resveratrol (10 mg/Kg/day) for 2 months. Subsequently, the production of nitrites, malondialdehyde, and 4-hydroxy-alkenal (HNE) and the enzymatic activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were quantified. Results: The levels of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation products were significantly increased in each ethanol concentration and were statistically different compared to the control group; however, resveratrol significantly reduced oxidative stress caused by high ethanol concentration. The SOD and CAT did not present significant changes with respect to the controls in any of the study groups. In the different concentrations of ethanol used, GR increases significantly in the groups administered with resveratrol but not GPx. Resveratrol was shown to maintain the results similar to the control at most ethanol concentrations. Discussion: Our results suggest that resveratrol prevents oxidative stress induced by ethanol in the hippocampus by decreasing cellular lipid peroxidation, but does not prevent the activation of catalase or SOD enzymes; however, allows glutathione to be kept active and in adequate concentrations in its reduced form and avoids alterations in the locomotor system.

Potential use of banana peel (Musa cavendish) as ingredient for pasta and bakery products.

The consumption of fruits and vegetables involves the disposal of the inedible parts, conveying challenges such as waste management and environment pollution. In recent years, there have been multiple studies aimed at finding alternatives that reduce the negative impact of food/agricultural waste. Since most studies done with by-products recommend their careful selection, the aim of this study was to verify if discarded banana peels could be disinfected until microbiologically safe and to determine if they could still provide nutrients to formulate food products with sensory characteristics acceptable to a consumer market after disinfection. Banana peels were collected from markets, restaurants, and greengrocers. They were disinfected, dried, and pulverized to obtain a flour which was subjected to microbiological and proximal analysis. Once its microbial safety was assured, this flour was incorporated into bakery and pasta products, replacing wheat flour with 5-20% banana peel flour (BPF). The sensory evaluation of the different products was carried out and, after verifying that the products were sensory acceptable, the proximal analysis was implemented. The formulated products were suitable for the addition of BPF up to 10%, in which the Acceptability Index was higher than 80% and significant increases in fiber and fat were achieved. We conclude that waste banana peel flour can be incorporated into bread and pasta products for human consumption to provide nutrients which might contribute to reduce this type of waste and to recover nutrients from otherwise disposed banana peels.

Dietary Patterns and Their Association with Metabolic Syndrome and Their Components in Middle-Class Adults from Damascus, Syria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Prior to the 2016 crisis in Syria, a study conducted in Aleppo found the prevalence of metabolic syndrome to be 39.6%, which is known to be favoured by age and poor lifestyle (including physical inactivity and the consumption of hypercaloric foods, rich in saturated fats, concentrated carbohydrates, and salt), so the objective of this study was to identify the association of different dietary patterns with metabolic syndrome and their components. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in 104 adults aged 40 to 65 years who did not suffer from previous diseases. The sample was chosen from middle-class citizens of the city of Damascus who were contacted by telephone; they were explained about the study, the information that would be collected, and the studies that should be carried out in the clinical analysis laboratory of the Private University of Syria. A nutritional and food study was carried out using previously validated forms containing 62 items in which the food intake of the participants was studied. We apply principal component analysis and factor analysis to detect nutritional components and dietary patterns. Dietary pattern 3 (foods with simple carbohydrates and saturated fat) increased glucose levels, while dietary patterns 1 (high intake of calories, protein, and saturated fat) and 5 (fast food) increased serum triglyceride levels. In addition, pattern 1 (carbonated beverages, grains, chicken, and meat) was associated with elevated LDL cholesterol levels and the presence of the metabolic syndrome. The study findings suggest that the presence of metabolic syndrome and its components are associated with dietary patterns high in calories, protein, simple carbohydrates, and saturated fat.

Detection of Saffron's Main Bioactive Compounds and Their Relationship with Commercial Quality.

This review aims to evaluate the state of saffron's main bioactive compounds and their relationship with its commercial quality. Saffron is the commercial name for the dried red stigmas of the Crocus sativus L. flower. It owes its sensory and functional properties mainly to the presence of its carotenoid derivatives, synthesized throughout flowering and also during the whole production process. These compounds include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which are bioactive metabolites. Saffron's commercial value is determined according to the ISO/TS3632 standard that determines their main apocatotenoids. Other techniques such as chromatography (gas and liquid) are used to detect the apocarotenoids. This, together with the determination of spectral fingerprinting or chemo typing are essential for saffron identification. The determination of the specific chemical markers coupled with chemometric methods favors the discrimination of adulterated samples, possible plants, or adulterating compounds and even the concentrations at which these are obtained. Chemical characterization and concentration of various compounds could be affected by saffron's geographical origin and harvest/postharvest characteristics. The large number of chemical compounds found in the by-products (flower parts) of saffron (catechin, quercetin, delphinidin, etc.) make it an interesting aromatic spice as a colorant, antioxidant, and source of phytochemicals, which can also bring additional economic value to the most expensive aromatic species in the world.

The Relation between Drying Conditions and the Development of Volatile Compounds in Saffron (Crocus sativus).

Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the flower Crocus sativus L. The drying process is the most important post-harvest step for converting C. sativus stigmas into saffron. The aim of this review is to evaluate saffron's post-harvest conditions in the development of volatile compounds and its aroma descriptors. It describes saffron's compound generation by enzymatic pathways and degradation reactions. Saffron quality is described by their metabolite's solubility and the determination of picrocrocin, crocins, and safranal. The drying process induce various modifications in terms of color, flavor and aroma, which take place in the spice. It affects the aromatic species chemical profile. In the food industry, saffron is employed for its sensory attributes, such as coloring, related mainly to crocins (mono-glycosyl esters or di-glycosyl polyene).

Association of Differences in Dietary Behaviours and Lifestyle with Self-Reported Weight Gain during the COVID-19 Lockdown in a University Community from Chile: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Domiciliary confinement of people is one of the main strategies to limit the impact of COVID-19. Lockdowns have led to changes in lifestyle, emotional health, and eating habits. We aimed to evaluate the association of differences in dietary behaviours and lifestyle with self-reported weight gain during the COVID-19 lockdown in Chile. In this cross-sectional analytical study, five previously validated surveys were condensed into a single 86-item online questionnaire. The survey was sent to 1000 potential participants of the university community; it was kept online for 28 days to be answered. Of the 639 respondents, the mean self-reported weight gain during confinement was 1.99 kg (standard deviation [SE]: 0.17) and 0.7 (SE: 0.06) units of body mass index (BMI) (both p < 0.001) and the median difference in body weight during lockdown was 3.3% (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.0-6.7). The differences of intake of most food groups before and during lockdown were associated with greater self-reported weight, BMI and percentage weight gain. Differences in lifestyle (odds ratio [OR] = 14.21, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 2.35-85.82) worsening eating habits (OR = 3.43, 95%CI: 2.31-5.09), and more consumption of sweet or filled cookies and cakes during lockdown (OR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.42-3.13) were associated with self-reported weight gain. In conclusion, different dietary behaviours (mainly consumption of industrialized foods) during lockdown, as well as quality of life deterioration were the main factors associated with self-reported weight gain during lockdown.

Starch Edible Films/Coatings Added with Carvacrol and Thymol: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effectiveness of thymol and carvacrol added to edible starch films and coatings against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. In vitro evaluation consisted of determining minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of carvacrol and thymol was determined at different pH values against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. With MIC values, binary mixtures were developed. From these results, two coatings formulations were in vivo evaluated on mango and papaya. Physicochemical analysis, color change, fruit lesions and C. gloeosporioides growth were determined during storage. In vitro assay indicated that the MIC value of carvacrol and thymol against C. gloeosporioides was 1500 mg/L at pH 5. An additive effect was determined with 750/750 and 1125/375 mg/L mixtures of carvacrol and thymol, respectively. Coated fruits with selected mixtures of carvacrol and thymol presented a delay in firmness, maturity index and color change. Moreover, a fungistatic effect was observed due to a reduction of lesions in coated fruits. These results were corroborated by the increase in the lag phase value and the reduction of the growth rate. Carvacrol and thymol incorporated into edible films and coatings are able to reduce the incidence of anthracnose symptoms on mango and papaya.

Food Insecurity Is Associated with the Quality of Diet of Non-Institutionalized Older Adults from a Southern Chilean Commune: A Cross-Sectional Study.

As the population ages, greater attention to age-related health problems related to diet and lifestyles is needed. Here, we sought to evaluate the associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and food insecurity with the quality of diet of non-institutionalized elderly from a southern Chilean commune. We performed an analytical cross-sectional study in a sample of 376 older adults. Nutritional status was evaluated through anthropometric measurements. Quality of diet was determined by the healthy eating index (HEI), obtained through the frequency of consumption questionnaire. Socioeconomic, demographic, and lifestyle variables were also collected. Ordinal logistic and Poisson regression models were applied to study associations with quality of diet. The sample consisted of more women (81.6%) than men (18.4%). Most older adults were found to live in a situation of vulnerability or poverty (82.4%), with most having food security (65.7%). According to the HEI, only 14.1% had a good quality of diet, 83.8% had diet in need of improvement, and 2.1% had an unhealthy diet. There was an association of food insecurity and cardiovascular risk (according to waist circumference) with lower quality of diet categories. However, an association with the unhealthy quality of diet category was not confirmed with Poisson regression analysis, which was possibly due to the low number of subjects in that category (n = 8, 2.1%). Other modifiable factors like physical activity, hours of sleep, and polypharmacy were not associated with lower quality of diet categories. Socioeconomic status, which is a structural health determinant, was not associated with decreased quality of diet. Since this was a cross-sectional study performed on a small sample from a Chilean commune, directionality of associations cannot be discerned, and future longitudinal studies could aim to better characterize these associations in larger samples of elderly patients.

Use of coconut water (Cocus nucifera L) for the development of a symbiotic functional drink.

Many studies suggest that probiotic, prebiotic and symbiotic foods may be beneficial in the prevention and management of nutrition and health, the objective of this work was to develop a symbiotic drink based on coconut water. Fermentation was performed using lyophilized Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 and inulin as a source of soluble fiber. Different formulations were developed, determining the concentrations of fiber and probiotics. The growth of the probiotic in MRS broth was evaluated, using the plate counting technique in different periods of time. The fermentation time of the drink was 8 h and the shelf life in refrigeration was 14 days evaluated by pH and hedonic scale. The pH of the final drink was 3.48 and the probiotic content was 82 × 10 8 CFU/ml. It is concluded that coconut water can be processed by adding probiotic and prebiotic characteristics with sensory acceptance and adequate preservation characteristics.

Estado nutricional, ingesta de alimentos, horas de sueño y riesgo cardiovascular en trabajadoras de turno nocturno en una empresa frutícola de la ciudad de Chillán, Chile / Nutritional status, food intake, sleeping hours and cardiovascular risk in night shift women workers in a fruit company in the city of Chillan, Chile

FUNDAMENTOS: El trabajo nocturno genera estilos de vida irregulares y se asocia con un aumento en la morbilidad de los trabajadores, especialmente las mujeres. Las posibles causas de este aumento serían un consumo excesivo de energía y el riesgo cardiovascular, por lo que el objetivo es determinar la relación entre el estado nutricional, adecuación de la dieta, riesgo cardiovascular y horas de sueño en mujeres que trabajan en el turno nocturno de una empresa frutícola. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con una muestra de 61 mujeres trabajadoras de turno nocturno de una empresa frutícola de Chile. La composición y la distribución corporal se determinaron mediante bioimpedancia tetrapolar y el cálculo del índice cintura/estatura e índice cintura/cadera respectivamente. La contribución de la dieta se cuantificó mediante registro de alimentos,el nivel de actividad física mediante el cuestionario IPAQ y el cuestionario del sueño del Instituto Nacional de Tecnología de Alimentos (INTA) de la Universidad de Chile. RESULTADOS: El 85% de las mujeres presentaron sobrepeso u obesidad (n=52). La frecuencia de sedentarismo fue mayor en las mujeres con sobrepeso (n= 26;100%) y obesidad (n=25;96%), por otro lado, las horas de sueño fueron menores en estos estados de nutrición que en las mujeres con normopeso (p < 0,02). El sedentarismo (OR=22,5; IC95%:1,5-320,3; p = 0,02) y las pocas horas de sueño (OR=7,2; IC95%: 1,1-47,2; p = 0,04) fueron encontrados como factores de riesgo para sobrepeso u obesidad en dos modelos multivariados de regresión logística. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de las mujeres presentó sobrepeso u obesidad así como mayor riesgo cardiovascular dependiente del sedentarismo y malos hábitos de sueño

BACKGROUND: Night work generates irregular lifestyles and is associated with an increase in the morbidity of workers, especially women. The possible causes of this increase would be excessive energy consumption and cardiovascular risk, so the objective of the present study is to determine the relationship between nutritional status, diet adequacy, cardiovascular risk and sleep hours in women who work in the night shift of a fruit company. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 61 women working night shifts from a fruit company in Chile. Body composition and distribution were determined by tetrapolar bioimpedance and the calculation of the waist/height index and waist/hip index respectively. The contribution of the diet was quantified by means of food registration, the level of physical activity through the IPAQ questionnaire and the sleep questionnaire of the National Institute of Food Technology (INTA) of the University of Chile was applied. RESULTS: 85% of the women were overweight or obese (n = 52). The frequency of sedentary lifestyle was higher in women who were overweight (n = 26; 100%) and obese (n = 25; 96%), on the other hand, the hours of sleep were lower in these nutritional states than in women with normal weight (p <0.02). Sedentary lifestyle (OR = 22.5; 95% CI: 1.5-320.3; p = 0.02) and the few hours of sleep (OR = 7.2; 95% CI: 1.1-47.2; p = 0.04) were found as risk factors for overweight or obesity in two multivariate logistic regression models. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of women were overweight or obese, as well as increased cardiovascular risk depending on sedentary lifestyle and poor sleep habits

Essential oils in vapor phase as alternative antimicrobials: A review.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of essential oils (EOs) against many foodborne microorganisms when applied by direct contact has been extensively demonstrated. However, the vapor phase and volatile components present in EOs have not been thoroughly investigated; there are a small number of published reports on the antimicrobial activity of some EOs and a few of their components against selected microorganisms. It is well known that the antimicrobial activity of EOs depends mainly on their chemical composition. It is also important; however, to understand the volatility of these compounds as well as the methodologies used to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of their vapor phase. This review focuses on recent research regarding the chemical composition of EOs, their biological activity and mechanisms of action, the antimicrobial activity of EOs in the vapor phase, the different techniques that have been proposed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of EOs in the vapor phase, and actual and potential applications of EOs in the vapor phase. Although there is still no standard methodology for determining the activity of EOs in the vapor phase, results reported thus far are encouraging and suggest possible applications in food preservation.

High-Intensity Light Pulses To Inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium on Mexican Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds.

Chia seeds provide a suitable environment for microorganisms. However, it is difficult to disinfect these seeds with water and/or chemical disinfectant solutions because the mucilage in the seeds can absorb water and consequently form gels. High-intensity light pulses (HILP) is one of the most promising emerging technologies for inactivating microorganisms on surfaces, in clear liquids and beverages, and on solid foods. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of HILP on Salmonella Typhimurium in culture medium (in vitro tests) and inoculated onto chia seeds (in vivo tests). HILP was effective against Salmonella Typhimurium under both conditions: 8 s of treatment (10.32 J/cm2) resulted in a 9-log reduction during in vitro tests, and 15 s of treatment (19.35 J/cm2) resulted in a 4-log reduction on the inoculated chia seeds. Salmonella Typhimurium inactivation kinetics were accurately described using the Weibull model (R2 > 0.939). These results indicate that the use of HILP for microbial inactivation on seeds could generate products suitable for human consumption.

Structural, Physical, and Antifungal Characterization of Starch Edible Films Added with Nanocomposites and Mexican Oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer) Essential Oil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural, physical, and antifungal characteristics of starch edible films added with nanocomposites and Mexican oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer) essential oil (EO). Starch edible films were formulated with Mexican oregano EO (0%, 1%, or 2% v/v) and bentonite or halloysite (2%). Physical properties such as L* (luminosity), hue, film thickness, and O2 and CO2 permeability were determined. Structural analysis was carried out via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., and Rhizopus spp. was evaluated. The addition of EO and nanocomposites reduced luminosity, providing color to the edible films. Film thickness increased through the addition of EO concentration. O2 and CO2 permeability was increased by bentonite/EO films, and for halloysite films, CO2 permeability decreased as EO concentration increased. The addition of EO with both nanocomposites shows an evident morphological change in film structure, decreasing pore density and increasing pore size. In general, Mexican oregano EO added to edible starch films has an adequate fungicidal effect. The most sensitive microorganism tested was A. niger. Edible films added with Mexican oregano EO and nanocomposites show better physical and antifungal properties due to an adequate structural change in the biopolymer matrix.

Antioxidant Properties of Amazonian Fruits: A Mini Review of In Vivo and In Vitro Studies.

Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana share an area of 7,295,710 km2 of the Amazon region. It is estimated that the Amazonian forest offers the greatest flora and fauna biodiversity on the planet and on its surface could cohabit 50% of the total existing living species; according to some botanists, it would contain about 16-20% of the species that exist today. This region has native fruit trees in which functional properties are reported as antioxidant and antiproliferative characteristics. Amazon plants offer a great therapeutic potential attributed to the content of bioactive phytochemicals. The aim of this mini review is to examine the state of the art of the main bioactive components of the most studied Amazonian plants. Among the main functional compounds reported were phenolic compounds, unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, phytosterols, and tocopherols, with flavonoids and carotenoids being the groups of greatest interest. The main beneficial effect reported has been the antioxidant effect, evaluated in most of the fruits investigated; other reported functional properties were antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, analgesic, immunomodulatory, anticancer, bronchodilator, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory, including hypercholesterolemic effects, leishmanicidal activity, induction of apoptosis, protective action against diabetes, gastroprotective activity, and antidepressant effects.

Hábitos alimentarios en una población de jóvenes universitario (18-25 años) de la ciudad de Puebla / Eating habits in a population of university student (18-25 years) of the city of Puebla

Fundamentos: Algunos estudios han puesto de relieve la existencia en jóvenes de hábitos alimentarios incorrectos y desconocimiento respecto a las características de una dieta equilibrada, y la relación que tiene la presencia de sobrepeso, obesidad, escasa actividad física y mala calidad de la dieta como factores de riesgo para desarrollar enfermedades crónico-degenerativas a corto o mediano plazo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo exploratorio de carácter transversal con una muestra de 254 hombres y 246 mujeres. estudiantes de diversas facultades de la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla de la ciudad de Puebla, México. Resultados: La población refiere si desayunar, sin embargo, no lo hacen muy frecuentemente debido a la falta de tiempo, y la mayoría ingiere alimentos durante el día dentro de la universidad, principalmente comida rápida que provee de energía en exceso y que no aporta suficientes nutrientes esenciales. En cuanto a cultura nutricional. las mujeres poseen mayores conocimientos que los hombres en general, pero esto no incide sobre una mejora en sus hábitos alimentarios. Conclusiones: Los hábitos y conocimientos alimentarios de la población estudiada, no son satisfactorios, se preocupan por no aumentar de peso. y los horarios escolares tan exigentes son su principal impedimento para lograr llevar una dieta adecuada. Se considera una necesidad fundamental la orientación nutricional incluso a nivel universitario (AU)

Background: Some studies have highlighted the existence in young people of incorrect eating habits and lack of knowledge regarding the characteristics of a balanced diet, and the relationship of overweight, obesity, low physical activity and poor diet quality as risk factors of developing chronic- degenerative diseases in the short or medium term. Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory descriptive study was carried out with a sample of 254 men and 246 women, students from different faculties of the Autonomous University of Puebla. in the city of Puebla. Mexico. Results: The population reports that they do have breakfast, however, they don t do it very frequently due to lack of time, and most eat food during the day inside the university, is mainly fast food that provides excess energy and does not provide enough essential nutrients. As for nutritional culture. women have greater knowledge than men in general, but this does not affect an improvement in their eating habits. Conclusions: The dietary habits and knowledge of the population studied are not satisfactory, they worry about not gaining weight. and the school hours so demanding are their main impediment to achieving an adequate diet. It is considered a fundamental need for delivery of nutritional guidance even at the university level (AU)

Antifungal activity by vapor contact of essential oils added to amaranth, chitosan, or starch edible films.

Antimicrobial agents can be incorporated into edible films to provide microbiological stability, since films can be used as carriers of a variety of additives to extend product shelf life and reduce the risk of microbial growth on food surfaces. Addition of antimicrobial agents to edible films offers advantages such as the use of small antimicrobial concentrations and low diffusion rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate inhibition by vapor contact of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum by selected concentrations of Mexican oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) or lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oils (EOs) added to amaranth, chitosan, or starch edible films. Essential oils were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Amaranth, chitosan and starch edible films were formulated with essential oil concentrations of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 2.00, or 4.00%. Antifungal activity was evaluated by determining the mold radial growth on agar media inoculated with A. niger and P. digitatum after exposure to vapors arising from essential oils added to amaranth, chitosan or starch films using the inverted lid technique. The modified Gompertz model adequately described mold growth curves (mean coefficient of determination 0.991 ± 0.05). Chitosan films exhibited better antifungal effectiveness (inhibition of A. niger with 0.25% of Mexican oregano and cinnamon EO; inhibition of P. digitatum with 0.50% EOs) than amaranth films (2.00 and 4.00% of cinnamon and Mexican oregano EO were needed to inhibit the studied molds, respectively). For chitosan and amaranth films a significant increase (p<0.05) of lag phase was observed among film concentrations while a significant decrease (p<0.05) of maximum specific growth was determined. Chitosan edible films incorporating Mexican oregano or cinnamon essential oil could improve the quality of foods by the action of the volatile compounds on surface growth of molds.