Antimicrobial ice compositions, methods of preparation, and methods of use
OwnerMichael Harvey, Jonathan Howarthinventors
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Abstract
The invention includes antimicrobial ice compositions (also called frozen antimicrobial compositions), methods of preparing the compositions, and methods of using the compositions. The frozen composition includes a peroxycarboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The compositions are used to prevent spoilage and microbial contamination of perishable foods, such as fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and shellfish. The compositions may also be used in the processing of sausage or luncheon meat to prevent spoilage and contamination.
Claims11
A frozen antimicrobial composition, including an equilibrium mixture of at least one peroxycarboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide in water.
A method of preparing a frozen antimicrobial composition, comprising:
- a. preparing an equilibrium mixture of at least one peroxycarboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide in water;
- and
- b. freezing said equilibrium mixture.
A method of reducing microbial contamination and spoilage of a perishable food product, comprising:
- a. Packing a frozen antimicrobial composition around a food product, such that the surface of the food product is in contact with the frozen antimicrobial composition, wherein said frozen composition includes an equilibrium mixture of at least one peroxycarboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide;
- and
- b. storing said perishable food product in said frozen antimicrobial composition at a temperature that allows said frozen antimicrobial composition to melt.
A method of reducing microbial contamination and spoilage of meat during the making of sausage or luncheon meat, comprising:
- a. adding a frozen antimicrobial composition to meat during the grinding of the meat, wherein said frozen antimicrobial composition includes an equilibrium mixture of at least one peroxycarboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide;
- and
- b. allowing said frozen antimicrobial composition to melt during and after said grinding of the meat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.