The composite fibrous films were developed from zein and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by incorporating carvacrol at three different concentrations (5, 10 and 20%) using electrospinning. The morphology and size of fibers obtained from both zein and PLA were affected by the level of the incorporated carvacrol. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that carvacrol was encapsulated in electrospun zein and PLA fibers. The antioxidant activity of carvacrol loaded zein fibers ranged from 62 to 75%, while antioxidant capacity of PLA fibers varied from 53 to 65% for 5–20% carvacrol content. The composite fibrous films showed a sustained diffusion controlled release behavior. Preliminary studies on whole wheat bread samples showed that carvacrol loaded electrospun zein and PLA fibers are able to preserve bread samples, indicating that they are good candidates for active food packaging applications to extend the shelf life of whole wheat bread. Display omitted •Carvacrol was successfully encapsulated in electrospun zein and PLA fibers using electrospinning process.•Surface morphology of fibers significantly affected the release of carvacrol from electrospun fibers.•Carvacrol loaded electrospun fibers exhibited antioxidant activities.•The composite fibrous zein and PLA films at 20% carvacrol content inhibited 99.6 and 91.3% of the growth of mold and yeast.