en Environmental Health, Sciences, and Engineering Environmental Health, Sciences, and Engineering Review Review Article <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:1;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables due to microbial spoilage represent a significant global challenge. This narrative review explores the potential of plant-derived extracts and essential oils as natural antimicrobial alternatives, with a focus on their bioactive constituents-namely phenolics, terpenoids, and flavonoids-and their mechanisms of action against spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, including <em>Listeria monocytogenes</em> and <em>Escherichia coli</em>. The evidence reviewed indicates that these compounds exert antimicrobial effects through mechanisms such as membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, and biofilm interference. The effectiveness of these agents is influenced by several factors, including extraction methods, compound concentrations, and environmental conditions. Despite their potential to extend the shelf life of fresh produce, limitations such as sensory impacts and compound stability present notable challenges. Emerging technologies, particularly nanoencapsulation, offer promising strategies to enhance their practical applications. Overall, the findings support the use of plant-based antimicrobials as sustainable solutions for food preservation, in alignment with clean-label demands and the broader goals of food safety and waste reduction across the supply chain.</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"></div> Plant extracts, Essential oils, Fruit and vegetable preservation, Antimicrobial properties, 208 218 http://jhehp.zums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-650-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Nastaran Noori Nastarannoori0281@gmail.com 100319475328460015947 0009-0001-4979-6594 No Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. Hassan Hassanzadazar h.hassanzadazar@gmail.com 100319475328460015948 100319475328460015948 No Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. Esrafil Asgari sasgary@gmail.com 100319475328460015949 100319475328460015949 Yes Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. Maryam Hassani Hassani.m8434@gmail.com 100319475328460015950 0009-0008-2121-3546 No Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.