It is provided a composition for controlled-release of volatile compounds comprising at least one poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymer and one or more volatile compounds, the composition used for preserving food when incorporated in a food packaging. The volatile compounds are antimicrobial compounds such as allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), diacetyl, cinnamaldehyde, thymol, carvacrol and a combination thereof. The composition can comprise a blend of two or more PEG polymers of different molecular weights and/or a mixture of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO).<;p>;It is provided a composition for controlled-release of volatile compounds comprising at least one poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymer and one or more volatile compounds, the composition used for preserving food when incorporated in a food packaging. The volatile compounds are antimicrobial compounds such as allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), diacetyl, cinnamaldehyde, thymol, carvacrol and a combination thereof. The composition can comprise a blend of two or more PEG polymers of different molecular weights and/ or a mixture of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO).<;/p>;