Abstract:Traditional packaging materials pose environmental pollution risks and potential safety hazards,such as microplastic contamination and plasticizer migration,rendering them unsuitable for the expanding prepared dishes industry.Carboxymethyl chitosan （CMCS）,recognized for its renewability,non-toxicity,and excellent functional properties,has emerged as a promising packaging material.This review outlined the synthesis methods of CMCS and examined its properties along with influencing factors.Special emphasis was placed on its application in packaging for prepared aquatic and livestock dishes,aiming to provide a systematic theoretical foundation for the potential use of CMCS in prepared dishes packaging.