Compositions and Methods for Use in Food Processing and Preservation
OwnerStanley Weller, Lloyd Starks +2inventors
InventorsStanley Weller, Lloyd Starks, Shecoya White, Derris Burnett
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention consists of novel food coatings, compositions, and products, and methods of preserving foods and of protecting against damage and/or spoilage to improve appearance, shelf life, and marketability of the foods.
Claims18
A composition of chitosan for preserving food, comprising an aqueous solution of deacetylated chitosan, a low molecular weight organic acid, and a soluble sulfite salt, wherein the solution is about 0.05% to 2.0% chitosan by weight in water.
A method of forming an antimicrobial coating of deacetylated chitosan, low molecular weight organic acid, and a soluble sulfite salt on the surface of food, the method comprising:
- forming an aqueous solution of deacetylated chitosan, low molecular weight organic acid, and soluble sulfite salt;
- and
- applying the aqueous solution to the surface of the food by spraying, dipping, immersing, immersion, steam, steaming, wiping, electrostatic spraying, fogging, by deposition from steam, or a combination thereof,
- wherein the antimicrobial coating inhibits discoloration of the food, inhibits microbial growth on the food, inhibits spoilage of the food, increases the shelf life of the food, or a combination thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.