GB488560A - Improvements in process for inhibition of mould growth on foodstuffs and other organic materials susceptible thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

The growth of mould in foodstuffs and other organic materials susceptible thereto is inhibited by adding, by surface treatment or incorporation, a relatively small amount of a salt of a saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having 3-12 carbon atoms, or a mixture of said salts. The amount of salt added may be 0,01-2,3 per cent by weight of the water present as free moisture in the material treated, but smaller proportions may be used with lower pH values and greater proportions with higher pH values. The salts used include the sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, mercury, zinc, and ammonium salts of propionic, butyric, isobutyric, valeric, caprylic and lauric acid, only non-toxic salts being employed where foodstuffs are treated. Substances which in the presence of moisture will be converted at least in part to the salt may also be used, e.g. an amide which will give the ammonium salt, or an acid may be added followed by an alkali or other alkaline compound in amount sufficient to neutralize it. The salt may be applied as a solid or in solution. Where the surface of the material is to be treated, e.g. with vegetables and fruits such as oranges, bananas, pineapples, grapes, apples, or pears, a solution of the salt may be sprayed thereon. Fruit may be dipped therein. The salt may be incorporated in foodstuffs such as bread by addition to the ingredients before, during or after the mixing; the presence of the mould-inhibitor allows a greater than normal quantity of water to be used in making bread. The salt may be mixed with or sprayed into butter, pastries, custards, confections, cream cheese, and cheese spreads. Meats and wines may also be treated. The salts may be used dry or in solution for treating paper, leather, textiles, wood or the like. In addition to the organic salt or salts, when treating foodstuffs, an alkaline compound, e.g. sodium or ammonium carbonate, bicarbonate, or carbamate or urea or the like may be included, e.g. in the amount of 0,001-3 per cent by weight of the water present as free moisture in the material. In an example, calcium propionate and preferably also ammonium bicarbonate are added to the dough in making bread. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 comprises also the treatment of tobacco, belting and containers, utensils or materials used in handling foodstuffs. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.