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This study investigates the fabrication of films based on a polymer containing nanoclay, sodium diacetate (SDA), and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) for packaging rainbow trout fillets. The films were prepared by the addition of 2% SDA (SDA film), 2% TBHQ (TBHQ film), and a combination of both (1% SDA + 1% TBHQ) into polyethylene polymer (93.00%) and montmorillonite nanoclay (5.00%). A film lack of nanoclay, SDA, and TBHQ was prepared and considered a control film. A film was also prepared by the addition of 95 g polyethylene + 5 g nanoclay (Nanoclay). Morphological properties of the films were investigated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In vitro antioxidant properties and antibacterial activities of the films and their effects as the coating on fish samples were evaluated against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli. The effects of films on oxidative stability, antibacterial activity, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), and total viable count (TVC) of fish samples were assessed. The SEM results showed the homogenous dispersion of SDA and TBHQ into films. The SDA, TBHQ, and ST films showed antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes, S. typhimurium, and E. coli compared with the control film as the coating and under in vitro conditions (p < 0.05). The TBHQ and ST films exhibited higher antioxidant activity and prevented the oxidation as the coating. The films prepared from the SDA, TBHQ, and ST prevented an increase in TVC and TVBN (p < 0.05). The ST films can prevent spoilage in fish samples and can be utilized in the food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: We successfully prepared films with the help of nanoclay, sodium diacetate (SDA), and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) on polyethylene for packaging fish fillets. Films containing SDA, TBHQ, and nanoclay showed antibacterial activity and prevented spoilage. The films can be used for packaging fish fillets., (© 2023 Institute of Food Technologists.)