MXPA00000145A - Microorganism reduction methods and compositions for food - Google Patents

Abstract

Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for treating food such as produce, e.g., fruits and vegetables, and edible animal proteins are provided. Liquid formulations comprising, optionaly, less than about 0.5%detergent surfactant, such as potassium alkyl sulfate, that does not affect palatability and basic buffer to provide a pH of at least 10.5 are applied to food products immediately before consumption and allowed to stay for at least about one half minute to significantly reduce microorganism contamination. The food can be consumed without rinsing.

Description

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR REDUCING MICROORGANISMS IN FOODS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to methods for making food, especially products, safe for human consumption, maintaining the pleasant taste of said food, especially where there is not enough pure water to rinse said foods, and to 10 compositions, especially in the form concentrated, or corresponding diluted liquid form, which are especially suitable for practicing said methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 15 Fruits and vegetables, and sometimes other food products such as meats, are preferably washed before ingestion in order to remove dirt and other unwanted residues that adhere to the surface thereof. However, the common washing procedure 20 requires a rinsing step to physically remove the dirt. In many situations, a source of pure water is not available to rinse, even at a low level. It should be appreciated that the formulation of truly effective compositions, especially those that can be used safely by individual consumers, to make fruits and vegetables safe to eat and with a pleasant taste, when there is no abundant source of safe water to rinse, presents a problem for the formulator, as well as many other cleaning ingredients described 5 the technique, presumably are not desirable for use in direct contact with foods where they are not completely removed and / or do not provide sufficient antimicrobial action. In addition, it would be especially desirable to provide toxicologically acceptable and effective compositions for foods, including fruits and vegetables and / or meats that can be sold in concentrated form and that are used to create diluted low foaming liquid solutions that can be used to effect antimicrobial action and that provide food with pleasant taste without removal. Dilute liquid solutions are convenient for the user, because they can be applied directly to fruits and vegetables dirty by simple immersion, thus ensuring that all parts of the food are treated. The clarity of diluted liquids denotes cleanliness to the user and is therefore highly desirable. The low foaming is an important quality so that the elimination of any foam is reached quickly and easily. It is also advantageous if said concentrated materials can be diluted by the consumer using water that is unsafe for use, because sometimes it is the only water available.

Unfortunately, many toxicologically acceptable "cleaning" ingredients can not be used with unsafe, impure water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises methods for treating foods, including products, especially fruits and vegetables, (and compositions, as described hereinafter, to practice said methods) at a basic pH, especially without rinsing, maintaining the pleasant taste. In its broader aspect, it comprises a method for treating food and reducing the level of microorganisms, said treatment occurs just before consumption, and comprises the step of contacting the surface of said food with an aqueous treatment composition comprising: optionally, detergent surfactant; and basic pH regulator to provide a pH 15 greater than 10.5 over a period of time in excess of about half a minute, the composition is essentially free of any material that affects the pleasant taste, wherein said food does not need to be rinsed before your consumption The present invention encompasses several more specific aspects including: I. A method for making food, including products and meat, safe to eat which comprises contacting the surfaces of said food, moments before its ingestion in order to minimize • "fflr * 1 j? ** **» * > - * -. ^ J ^ taa ».. the possibilities of recontamination, by direct application of a diluted treatment composition having a pH of more than 10.5, which typically comprises: (a) very preferably, sufficient to reduce the surface tension and reduce the viscosity to less than about 50 cp., Preferably less than about 10 cp., And most preferably less than about 5 cp., To help maximize the wetting and / or drainage of the surface thus minimizing the residue, but less than a amount that affects the taste, preferably less than about 0.5%, very preferably less than about 0.2%, and still most preferably less than about 0.1%, of toxicologically acceptable detergent surfactant, preferably stable base anionic surfactant, and most preferably, sodium and / or potassium alkyl sulfate and / or Cß-u soap; (B) basic toxicologically acceptable pH regulator, preferably potassium and / or sodium and / or calcium hydroxide soluble in water, ortho-phosphates, carbonates, and / or bicarbonates, to provide a pH of about 10.5 to about 13, preferably from about 10.9 to about 12.5, most preferably from about 11.3 to approximately 12.3, but preferably with low reserve alkalinity ("reserve alkalinity" as used herein is equal to the percentage of HCl equivalent required to lower the pH of the diluted treatment composition to 9.5), this is typically less of about 10, ~ - * > ~ »* ^ ** + ^ _ ^ -. . - - «» ». "É? Tt ^ ... ^ preferably less than about 7, and still most preferably less than about 4, to maximize safety, and ortho-phosphate level, when present, which is about 0.01% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 1%, most preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.5% ortho-phosphoric acid equivalent; (c) optionally, from about 0.0005% to about 3%, preferably about 0.001% to about 1%, and most preferably from about 0.003% to about 0.5%, by weight of calcium ion sequestrant, preferably polyphosphate detergent such as tripolyphosphate sodium salt (hereinafter referred to as "STPP") or, a salt of an organic polycarboxylic acid, such as sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (hereinafter referred to as "EDTA") and / or a citric acid salt to sequester calcium in hard water to control the calcium precipitates; (d) optionally, toxicologically acceptable preservative; (e) optionally, toxicologically acceptable foam suppressant; and (f) the moiety comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, low levels of low molecular weight, toxicologically acceptable organic solvent such as ethanol, glycerol, etc. and / or minor ingredients; all the above acidic materials are, of course, neutralized under alkaline conditions of the product, and said composition is essentially free of any material which is not toxicologically acceptable, said treatment being carried out for a period of time of at least half a minute. , preferably at least 1 minute, and most preferably at least 5 minutes, followed by draining and / or drying, especially without rinsing, said foods ready for consumption and with a desirable flavor. The inventions described herein preferably comprise concentrated compositions suitable for use in preparing such dilute compositions for treating food at a basic pH of about 10.5, diluting with water using from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably about 0.5. % to about 2%, of the concentrated composition, by weight of the diluted composition, said concentrated composition comprises: (a) from about 0.1% to about 50%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 20%, and very preferably from about 1% to about 10%, by weight of toxicologically acceptable detergent surfactant, preferably anionic surfactant with stable base, and most preferably, a Cß-iß alkyl sulfate and / or C8-14 soap; (b) toxicologically acceptable basic pH regulator, preferably potassium and / or sodium and / or calcium hydroxide, orthophosphate, carbonate, and / or bicarbonate, to provide a pH of about 10.5 to about 13, preferably from about 10.9 to about 12.5, most preferably from about 11.3 to about 12.3, in said diluted composition, but with low reserve alkalinity in said diluted composition, preferably less than about 10, most preferably less than about 7 and still most preferably less than 4, to avoid harm to a human, the orthophosphate level, when present, is from about 3% to about 60%, preferably from about 5% to about 60%, most preferably from about 10% to about 55%, by weight orthophosphoric acid equivalent; (c) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 35%, preferably from about 1 to about 25%, most preferably from about 2 to about 20%, of toxicologically acceptable calcium ion sequestrant, preferably polyphosphate or organic polycarboxylate , most preferably STPP or EDTA, or combinations of the two, to control the calcium ions; (d) optionally, toxicologically acceptable preservative; (e) optionally, toxicologically acceptable foam suppressant; and (f) the moiety comprising inert and / or minor compatible, toxicologically acceptable ingredients. - rirniíWíiritr ?? c? IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Preferably all the ingredients are food grade, because they can be ingested. A more specific method for preparing food, especially products such as fruits and vegetables involves exposing the food to a dilute aqueous solution having a basic pH of more than about 10.5, for a period of time of more than about half a minute, said aqueous cleaning solution comprises potassium cations and / or sodium cations. These cations are desirable in the diet for many reasons. Therefore, its presence in a composition for use in the treatment of food materials such as vegetables and fruits without rinsing is desirable. In addition, the potassium cation is more useful than the sodium cation for soaps, because the potassium soaps are more soluble compared to sodium soaps, especially at low temperatures. An alkaline method for treating food comprising contacting the surfaces of the product with an aqueous solution prepared by creating a solution having a pH of about 10.5 to about 13, preferably about 10.9 to about 12.5, most preferably about 11.3 to approximately 12.3, using the above concentrated composition and impure water, to provide pure solutions that kill the microorganisms on the surface of the food. It is important to reduce the level of microorganisms on the surface of food. Another preferred embodiment in the above methods for treating foods such as products is to place concentrated compositions, as described herein, in containers together with instructions for use of the composition to form such diluted solutions for food processing. Such instructions are very important, because the amount of dilution, the time of treatment, the elimination of the need for rinsing, and the ability to use impure water to form the treatment solution are not intuitive. It is also important that the instructions are as simple and clear as possible, so that it is desirable to use the drawings and / or cones. The rest of the composition may comprise several optional auxiliary materials, pH adjusting agents, perfumes or essences, 15 preservatives, suds suppressors, and the like. The ingredients in the above concentrated compositions are preferably "food grade" and selected and used in proportions that provide substantially clear diluted compositions. "Substantially clear" includes only minimal turbidity, and preferably the compositions are completely clear. The ingredients are also selected to have a minimum odor, both at the beginning and after storage. The lack of odor is especially important in compositions for use in food.

In order to cover any unpleasant odor, the compositions may comprise a food grade ingredient or GRAS (so-called hereafter) perfume, or essence. Oils derived from citrus fruits, for example, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, tangerines, etc., are especially preferred for this use. which contain relatively large amounts of terpenes. Preferred compositions for use herein only contain materials that are food grade or GRAS, including, of course, direct additives in foods referred to as GRAS, to protect them against misuse by the consumer. Traditionally, most suggestions for cleaning fruits and / or vegetables have contemplated a commercial scale where there is greater control over conditions, especially the amount and depth of rinsing. The present invention includes the use by individual consumers without rinsing, so it is essential that the products present extra security. In case it is not rinsed after cleaning it is not so important if all the ingredients are GRAS and / or food grade. The use and selection of cleaning ingredients for the purpose of washing fruits and vegetables is described in the United States Federal Regulation Code, title 21, section 173.315: "Ingredients for use in washing or lye peeling of fruits and vegetables". These regulations restrict ingredients that can be used for direct contact with foods that are typically described as "generally -iftf itifiti considered as safe "(GRAS), and a few other selected ingredients, these sections also provide certain limits on the amount of material that can be used in a given context, however, there are no regulations, or suggestions, for methods to elaborate safe foods for consumption using aqueous compositions that do not need to be removed, and there is no known method to kill microbes using materials such as hypochlorite, iodine, etc. at low levels that provide desirable flavor All documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following toxicologically acceptable ingredients are used in the preparation of preferred compositions herein. By "toxicologically acceptable" is meant that the residues of any ingredient of the compositions remaining in the fruits or vegetables cleaned therewith are safe for ingestion by humans and / or lower animals.

Detergent surfactant Synthetic anionic surfactant - Stable base anionic surfactants may be used, for example, as allowed in the United States by the United States Federal Regulatory Code (CFR), Title 21, Section 173.315. Specific mention is made of dodecylbenzenesulfonate salts, typically at levels up to 0.2%. Also described in the CFR are the phosphate esters of ethylene oxide and / or ethylene / propylene oxide adducts of aliphatic alcohols, dioctylsulfosuccinate, and 2-ethylhexylsulfate. The anionic surfactant is preferably selected from materials known in the art, such as Cß-iß alkyl sulfates and / or sulfonates, C6-15 alkylbenzene sulphonates; C di-io di-alkylsulfosuccinates, etc. Alkyl sulfates are preferred, for antimicrobial effectiveness and taste, especially as sodium and / or potassium salts. C8-u potassium soaps are preferred. Mixtures of such alkyl sulfates and soaps are also preferred. Nonionic Surfactant - Nonionic surfactants, when used, are preferably selected from materials known in the art, such as alkylene oxide (ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide) adducts of C aliphatic alcohols. -io-is or acids, glucose adducts of aliphatic alcohol of Cio-iß (alkyl polyglucosides). The ideal nonionic surfactant selected ideally has a HüáiMWiilfitt lüfl ** ^ * * ¡¡* L? ¡~ Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than about 10, and a cloudiness point of about 35 ° C in the composition. The United States Federal Regulatory Code (CFR) specifically describes an adduct of ethylene oxide / propylene oxide of aliphatic alcohol of C12-18 of molecular weight of about 800. Said material is available as PLURAFAC RA-20 (BASF) . In soap-containing compositions, the alkoxylated alcohol functions primarily as a dispersant for any soap precipitate that forms during the cleaning operation. In addition, it is recognized that the selection of non-nitrogen-containing nonionics can minimize the possibility of microbial growth in dilute surfactant compositions. Fatty Salts - The compositions herein may comprise soap, especially a C8-? 4 soap, as a half-cut coconut fatty acid soap. Lauric acid is suitable for this use. The specific solubilizing surfactants in higher proportions can be used to solubilize these soaps. However, soaps should not be used in large quantities for flavor reasons. The presence of the detergent surfactant is important, mainly to reduce the surface tension and viscosity. It is also highly desirable that the diluted treatment compositions have a low viscosity, typically less than about 50, preferably less than about 10 and most preferably less than about 5. The low viscosity increases the conclusion of the treatment promoting the dispersion on the surface of the food, especially when there are layers, roughness, etc. The low viscosity also increases drainage by providing at least part of the dirt removal. The low viscosity also increases the speed of drying, if that is what is desired. Therefore, the detergent surfactant provides extremely important advantages in terms of treatment. The detergent surfactant also improves the antimicrobial action. The presence of the surfactant, and especially the alkyl sulfate, provides an increased elimination and / or removal rate. It is important that the detergent surfactant does not affect the taste. Likewise, the level should be low. As discussed above, soap is not normally used in large quantities for flavor reasons and food-grade surfactants are highly desirable for flavor reasons.

Alkaline pH regulator The basic toxicologically acceptable pH regulators are used in the compositions herein to maintain the pH of the product on the desired scale. To facilitate the formulation ability, it is desirable that said basic pH regulators be in the form of a potassium salt, especially in liquid concentrates. Sodium salts are acceptable, and MlÉlttiittMita even preferred, in solid formulas, for example, formulas in the form of powder. Potassium / sodium carbonate and / or potassium / sodium orthophosphate are convenient and the preferred basic pH regulators. The calcium and / or magnesium hydroxides can be used to create a basic pH, especially if the composition does not contain a calcium ion sequestrant. Sodium and potassium hydroxides can be used as part of alkaline regulatory systems. The levels and identities of the ingredients are adjusted to provide dilute products having desired viscosities as set forth herein, eg, less than about 50, preferably less than 10, most preferably less than 5 centipoise under shear stress of > -1000 sec "1. The pH is preferably not greater than 13, and especially does not contain large amounts of pH regulator at higher pHs for consumer safety, especially when the compositions are not completely removed. from 0.1 to about 10, preferably from about 0.2 to about 7, and preferably from about 0.3 to about 4.

Sequestrant / Detergency Meter The preferred sequestrant and / or builder herein is polyphosphate salt or organic polycarboxylic salt, for example, sodium and / or potassium citrate and sodium and / or potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, which are standard articles of trade and they are GRAS. Other acids . ^ ss ^., ^^ "" _ .., .. ^^. ^ ._ .aaaBB & aasa ^. _ ... ¡.... jJ- ^^ - ^ - ***** - *** organic polycarboxylic acids, especially those that are GRAS, such as citric, tartaric, malic, etc., can also be used. A preferred version of polyphosphate is an anhydrous fast solvent STPP manufactured by the FMC corporation. Complex phosphates can also be used, and are very useful for maintaining the clarity of diluted solutions made of hard water, but generally avoided due to regulatory considerations where phosphate levels are specifically prohibited or very restricted. Typically, the scavenger / builder is present at a level of from about 0.0005% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, and most preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.02%, by weight of the diluted composition. Sequestrants / builders can maintain the effectiveness of the formulas in the presence of hardness.

Conservative If the concentrated compositions are formulated at a high pH this reduces the tendency for biological growth of contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, or molds. However, preservatives can help ensure that biological growth is not present through contamination when making the compositions or during their use. Standard food grade preservatives, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and / or salt thereof, at a level of about 0.01% to about 0.2%, or their sodium and / or potassium salts, in general, can be used.

^ ~ ¿^ ^ ^. ¿? However, the basic pH compositions herein do not require a preservative.

Fluid vehicle The major proportion, ie, more than about two thirds (typically around 80% -99.7%, by weight) of the diluted compositions herein comprises water as the solubilizing vehicle for the ingredients. As indicated below in the examples, water-ethanol may also be employed, and is especially preferred when formulating the basic pH compositions herein. Preferably, the level of ethanol in the diluted composition should not exceed 2% in the solution used to treat the products, to avoid an alcoholic smell. Other water-soluble, water-soluble and compatible solvents such as glycerol can also be used. Glycerol can also be used in solid compositions to minimize fine particles. An advantage of this invention is that impure water can be used to prepare the diluted composition, the microorganisms being removed by high pH and / or surfactant and / or builder. As used herein, "impure water" is water that is not pure due to the microorganisms that are present. ^^^^^^^ ggggg ^ g ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Optional ingredients * Polyethylene glycol - The water-soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer that can be used in the present is the known trade item and is available under a variety of trade names, of which one example is CARBOWAX (Union Carbide Corporation). PEG's can be used in the scale of average molecular weight from about 200 to about 20,000, and PEG as CARBOWAX in the scale of average molecular weight of at least about 200, typically 300 to about 9500, is convenient and preferred. The diluted compositions herein may comprise at least about 0.0001% by weight of the PEG, and will typically comprise from about 0.005% to about 0.1% by weight, of PEG. The amounts used can vary with the molecular weight of the PEG, the amount of surfactant used in the composition, the viscosity of the composition that is desired and similar factors at the discretion of the formulator. In a typical embodiment, preferred compositions herein having improved tactile printing will comprise surfactant / PEG weight ratios in the range from about 1: 2 to about 30: 1, preferably about 1: 1 to about 15: 1. . The compositions herein containing polyethylene glycol are characterized not only by their excellent cleaning performance and foaming properties / rinsing capacity, but ^ also for its improved "feel". The improved feel of the compositions that come into contact with the hands of the user is a qualitative tactile impression. However, this "non-slippery" and "non-soapy" improvement in skin feel can be demonstrated by rubbing test (containing PEG) and control (containing no PEG) compositions on the hands or inner part of the forearms of the skin. volunteer evaluators. Even in such rudimentary tests, evaluators can easily distinguish improved tactile printing from compositions. Antioxidants - The use of surfactants, and especially soaps, can be complicated by the development of volatile odors and / or yellowing of the compositions in which it appears. It is believed that these undesirable properties are caused by complex side reactions initiated by the oxygen reaction primarily with the polyunsaturated components of the fatty acid part. These results can be avoided, or minimized, by avoiding contact with air, or by controlling the quality of the fatty acid in such a way that the amount and type of polyunsaturates is minimized as described above, and / or by the addition of chelators and / or antioxidants. It has been found to be advantageous to add tocopherols (for example, vitamin E or tocopherol acetates) in alkaline formulations, since they do not degrade or impart a strong color. They inhibit the development of volatile odors during extended periods of time in such a way that the need for masking aromas is minimized, or eliminated. particularly for parts of high quality oleic acid, as described above. The use of butylated phenols such as BHT and BHA is also useful, but their effectiveness seems to be more limited and they can impart stronger colors to the compositions. Other food grade antioxidants such as vitamin C, sorbates and sulfites, are desirable to avoid deterioration of the compositions by the action of oxygen, but care must be taken since vitamin C can cause color degradation and sulfites can cause problems Of smell. Sulfites have also been the subject of potential health concerns. Foam suppressants (Silicones and their derivatives) - Foam suppressors or foam anti-foamers can be used at low levels, especially in the case where a certain level of surfactant is desired for wetting and / or efficacy, but the degree is desired. of foam generated in the food wash is kept low. The amount of foam suppressant can be designed in conjunction with the type and level of surfactant used. Preferably foam suppressors DC-4270 and DC2-4242 are used from Dow Corning. Polyethylene glycols (PEG) can be used as a carrier material or binder for a silicone foam suppressor particle in concentrated dry powder formulations. Typically, the molecular weights of the PEG are such that this is a solid at room temperature to contain the silicone. A molecular weight that is preferred in this case is 8000. In case the PEG is an integral part of the vehicle for silicone in a concentrate In powder form, care must be taken in the processing of the material to avoid excessive shearing stress of the dried product. The PEG can be soft enough so that excessive shear stress can alter the integrity of the particle formed with it. Gentle fragrances - Odor ingredients can be useful at low levels in concentrated materials. They can give a concentrated material a favorable odor, but under dilution are not perceptible in the solution or in treated articles. Conventional Halogen Antimicrobials - One of the advantages of the present invention is that it is not necessary to use hypochlorite, or iodine, as a means to reduce the populations of microorganisms. These materials are known to have unpleasant tastes, and can contaminate the environment. However, it is sometimes desirable to have a small amount of hypochlorite salt, typically lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and / or magnesium, and / or a source of iodine, present at a low level for further elimination of microorganisms.

Use The concentrated compositions herein are preferably used by placing them in a container, such as a container, with water, preferably pure, to form the diluted compositions of use and to facilitate the immersion of the food. - * ££ "**" ** 'g ^ jggj ^ Typical use includes treating individual food items in a "bath" followed by draining the food and / or drying, to minimize the amount of composition left behind. about food. In an optional method for using the diluted compositions of use described herein, the food product is cleaned, sized and / or rubbed with a suitable cleaning implement such as a cloth, sponge, paper towel, etc. In another optional method, potentially impure water is treated with the concentrated composition to remove microorganisms, and this "treated" water is used to rinse the food that has been treated with the diluted treatment composition into another container. This protects against the gradual undetected contamination of the original treatment composition. The "rinse" composition may contain lower levels of the concentrate, since what is required is to eliminate the microorganisms in the water itself. The compositions and methods described herein can provide effective disinfection / sanitization. To provide adequate elimination of microorganisms, especially bacteria, high concentrations and / or longer exposure times should be used. Typically, the diluted compositions should be used fully concentrated and allowed to remain on the food for at least about half a minute, preferably at least about one minute, and even most preferably at least about five minutes, and, for some microorganisms, It could require even ten minutes. Longer exposure times (ie, the time in which bacteria are in contact with the product) give better antimicrobial benefits. The importance of time depends both on the pH of the product and on the concentration of the formula. At high pH (> 11.5) and high concentrations, antibacterial efficacy is quickly achieved. At lower pH values (pH <11.0) and lower formula concentrations, a longer exposure period is required to achieve the same efficacy. In general, higher pHs are also better. The methods herein may comprise forming the diluted treatment composition using either a) pure water and / or impure and then 1) not rinsed in such a way that no removal is by mechanical means, ie, absorption and / or drainage; 2) rinse with pure water if available and / or 3) treat impure water with the diluted treatment composition to create "pure" rinse water and then rinse.

Food Any type of food can be treated. Examples include: food, including fruits and vegetables such as apples, grapes, peaches, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, celery and the like, which will be eaten after treatment, and edible animal protein, especially meat, seafood and poultry, including foods that essentially comprise the protein found in food sources such as, but not limited to, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, crustaceans, and meats. ^^ gÉt ^ umíMá? ^^ t ^^? a Iát Ém hunting animals such as deer, rabbit and the like. Said edible animal protein includes the processed forms of said protein sources, including, but not limited to, forms such as ground beef, turkey, bologna, hot dogs, sausages, fish cake and the like. The food is preferably ready to be eaten after treatment, and eaten immediately after it to minimize recontamination. The compositions can also be used to clean (especially stain removal), disinfect or sanitize a non-food item 10 (i.e., any surface that is not used as food, even those that are not in contact with food), inanimate homemade surfaces, especially those used in the production of food and other surfaces that make contact with food (surfaces that come in contact with food) , for example, cutting boards, upper parts of tables, utensils, plates, strainers, sinks, sinks, sponges, towels, rags, napkins, tablecloths and other surfaces that come into contact with food. It is desirable to disinfect / sanitize before the surfaces come into contact with the food and it is desirable to re-infect / resanitize whenever the surfaces become recontaminated. The products herein, which contain all GRAS and / or food compatible ingredients, are highly suitable for this purpose. On hard surfaces, of course, the compositions can be removed, after a sufficient time has elapsed, by rinsing if , t -. ^ -t. ^^^ M HB ^ .. ^^ ,. ^^ É ^ _ ^ -M HM ^ -. .- mm ^^ ^? a.

Pure water is available, or by absorption / rubbing with a suitable implement, that is, paper towel, sponge, fiber, etc. The compositions of this invention may also be used to treat / clean other inanimate home surfaces other than food, such as fabrics, for example, tablecloths, shoes and bathroom curtains, especially those used by children, especially toys, diapers and baby bottles Contaminated fabrics can be disinfected / sanitized, then allowed to drain and / or dry, to minimize the risk if the child puts the fabric or other item in their mouth. However, it is desirable to rinse the fabrics, at least with water containing less alkalinity. The fabric can be treated completely or by selective treatment, and then the composition is preferably removed, at least partially, for example, by draining, absorbency and / or mechanical force. The packaging of the present products in a container with instructions for use in terms of time and adequate dilution to provide disinfection / sanitization helps the individual consumer obtain information for proper use and remove / eliminate microorganisms. A special advantage of the product is that it can be used for this purpose at a time when the production of foods where recontamination is reduced to a minimum. The instructions desirably provide information that a rinse is not required to avoid possible recontamination by rinsing with impure water. t & m a? A? ß6m ~. H Hyperfatty for fabrics, the pH of the compositions is preferably below about 11.5, most preferably below 11.0. For fabrics and hard surfaces, the distribution of the compositions of this invention can be achieved by using a spray device, a roller, a towel, etc., or by immersing in a "bath" of said compositions. The preferred method is aspersion. All parts, percentages and relationships herein are "by weight" unless otherwise indicated. All numerical values are approximate unless otherwise indicated. The following examples illustrate the compositions and methods of this invention, but are not designed to be limiting thereof. The exemplified basic liquid dilute treatment compositions can be prepared at pH 10.5-13 by dissolving the concentrated liquid or solid powder compositions, or the individual ingredients, in water or water-ethanol using a conventional mixing apparatus. In a convenient mode, for example, the concentrate of Example 1, water is put into a treatment and into a treatment vessel. In the following sequence, potassium hydroxide, dipotassium orthophosphate, disodium EDTA, ethanol and the surfactant (lauric acid) are added with stirring. The optional perfume ingredient (grapefruit oil) can be added after the surfactant has been dissolved in the mixture.

^ B ^ »^. ., > ^ .. > The following examples show the efficacy for killing bacteria of the present invention as determined by a standard AOAC detergent and germicidal sanitization test. The tested organisms E. coli, ATCC 11229, or Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6538, are prepared in an inoculum with a load of 5% organic dirt (horse serum) prepared with French-type culture bottles to achieve cfu / ml greater . The exposure temperature of the test is 25 ° C and the incubation time for the survivor count is 48-54 hours at 35 ° C.

EXAMPLES The following solutions (A-F) were prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. To achieve significant reductions in the accounts (> 50% in 1 min) a higher pH of around 10.5 is required.

A B C Water DI Rest Rest Rest TSP-12H2O 0.46 0.46 0.46 (NaOH or H2SO4) * trace traces pH 10.5 11.5 12.5% Reduction (E.coli) 1 min. 25.8 95.5 99.9999 3 min. 16.8 99.05 99.9999 min 27.6 99.76 99.9999 Mtfálll.ilÉiiBl ^ rtlMÉiiH ^ ItflittlriMMI DI water is deionized water and TSP-12H2O is trisodium orthophosphate with 12 mol of water of crystallization.

D E F Water DI Rest Rest Rest TSP-12H2O 0.46 0.46 0.46 (NaOH or H2SO4) * trace traces Sodium Dodecylsulfate 0.01 0.01 0.01 PH 10.5 11.5 12.5% Reduction (E. coli) 1 min. 10.87 89.28 99.9998 3 min. 18.7 98.18 99.9998 5 min. 49.88 99.9 99.9998 * small amounts used to reach the target pH.

The following solution example (G) was prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. Again important reductions were achieved in relation to low surfactant and alkaline pH. In this example, the pH of the solution is reached by NaOH. A pleasant citrus smell in the solution can be obtained using citrus extracts.

G Water DI Rest NaOH 0.15 Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.06 Ethanol 5.0 Lima 63 1.0 PH 12.6% Reduction (E. coli) 1 min. 99.99998 3 min. 99.99998 5 min. 99.99998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ g ^ l ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Lima 63 en a food grade flavor / fragrance. The following solution example (I) was prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. In this case the final rinse test solution was prepared by diluting a concentrated liquid product in tap water 5 in an amount of 20 gm of concentrated liquid product in one liter of water. The concentrated liquid that was diluted used KOH and K2HPO4 for a regulating source of alkaline pH and potassium laurate derived from neutralized lauric acid as a surfactant. It was determined that the product washed in the rinse solution 10 had no negative effects in terms of taste without rinsing.

Composition of solution of liquid composition rinse after diluting concentrated before diluting @ 20 gm / liter @ 20 gm / liter Water of the key Rest - (~ 8gpg hardness) 15 Water DI 1.225 Rest KOH 0.118 5.9 Lauric acid 0.039 1.95 Ethanol 0.036 1.8 Grapefruit oil 0.0008 0.04 Na2EDTA «2H2O 0.059 2.93 K2HPO4 0.52 26.06 PH 11.5 12.1% reduction (E. Coli) 20 5 min 99,999 The following examples of solutions (J and K) were prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. In this case the test solution The final rinse was prepared by diluting a concentrated powder product in tap water in an amount of 3 and 5 gm of concentrated powder product in one liter of water, respectively. Solutions derived from diluting those concentrated powders had low levels of carbonate and / or TSP for an alkaline pH buffer and sodium lauryl sulfate as a surfactant. It was determined that the product washed in these rinse solutions had no negative effects on when the flavor was not rinsed.

K Composition Composition Composition Powder solution composition of concentrated rinse powder solution concentrated rinse after before diluting after before diluting dilute dilute @ 3 gm / liter @ 3 gm / liter @ 5 gm / liter @ 5 gm / liter Lauryl sulfate 0.006 2.0 0.017 3.4 sodium Glycerol 0.008 2.6 - - TSP »12H2O 0.279 93.0 0.349 69.79 Carbonate - - 0.084 16.75 sodium PEG 3350 0.007 2.3 0.01 2.0 Water DI - - 0.04 8.06 Water from the rest of the key rest PH -11.5 -11.5% reduction (E. coli) 1 min. 63.69 94.75 3 min. 69.09 99.81 5 min. 84.51 99.9997 ^^^^ jU ^ | ^ The following solution examples (L and M) were prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. In this case the final rinse test solution was prepared by diluting a concentrated powder product in tap water in an amount of 1 to 6 gm of concentrated powder in one liter of water, respectively. Solutions derived from diluting these concentrated powders used tripotassium phosphate for an alkaline regulatory source and LAS for sodium as a surfactant.

LM Composition Composition Composition Composition of concentrated powder solution of concentrated powder rinse rinse before diluting after before diluting after diluting dilute @ 1 gm / liter @ 1 gm / liter @ 6 gm / liter @ 6 gm / liter Sodium 0.003 3.47 0.021 3.47 Phosphate 0.093 92.89 0.557 92.89 tripotassium PEG 3350 0.004 3.64 0.022 3.64 Water of the rest - rest - key PH -11.5 -11.8% reduction (E. coli) 10 min. 98 99.9999 The following compositions (N-P) are additional examples of powder concentrates that can be made and diluted with water to form a cleaning solution. tát ^? ^ l¡álm? g ^ ÜÜMMHIL ÜHHHM NOP Trisodium phosphate12H2O 89.6 92.76 90.9 Sodium lauryl sulfate 4 - - Sodium dodecylsulfate - 3.34 5.5 Na2EDTA »2H2O 3 - 3.6 Silicone (foam suppressant) DC2-4242 2 - - PEG 3350 - 3.9 - Pefume 0.10 - - Glycerol 1.3 - - Concentrated powder 3 gm / liter 3.6 gm / liter 3.7 gm / liter Dilution rate for H2O H2O H2O elaborate a cleaning solution pH of the cleaning solution -11.5 11.6 11.6 The following composition example (Q) is another preferred example of a powder concentrate that used STPP and can be made and diluted with water to form a cleaning solution.

Q TSP-12H2O 71.3 STPP 20.0 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 4.0 Glicepna 2.1 Water 0.5 Defoamer particle at 2.0 silicon base (DC4270) Distilled grapefruit oil 0.1 Distilled grapefruit oil is a food grade flavor / fragrance.

Claims (21)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 5 1. A method to treat food and reduce the level of microorganisms on the surface of said foods and make them safe for consumption, said method of treatment occurs just before consumption, and comprises the step of contacting the surface of said food with a dilute aqueous treatment composition comprising, optionally, 10 Toxicologically acceptable detergent surfactant; and toxicologically acceptable basic pH regulator to provide a pH greater than about 10.5 for a period of time in excess of about half a minute, the composition is essentially free of any material affecting the safety or pleasant taste, so that 15 said food does not need to be rinsed before consumption.
2. 2. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that said diluted aqueous treatment composition comprises: a) less than about 0.5% by weight of toxicologically acceptable anionic detergent surfactant; b) regulator The toxicologically acceptable basic pH selected from the group consisting of potassium and / or sodium and / or calcium hydroxides soluble in water, ortho-phosphates, carbonates, and / or bicarbonates, to provide a pH of about 10.5 to about 13; c) optionally, of around 0.0005% a MiHMitfiiliik ^^^ M? FciiMH ^ MlHM about 3% by weight of calcium ion sequestrant selected from the group consisting of water soluble salts of polyphosphates, organic polycarboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof; d) optionally, toxicologically acceptable preservative; e) optionally, toxicologically acceptable foam suppressant; and f) the moiety comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, a low level low molecular weight, toxicologically acceptable organic solvent.
3. 3. The method according to claim 2, further characterized in that said diluted aqueous composition of The treatment comprises: a) less than about 0.2% by weight and sufficient to reduce the viscosity of said solution to less than about 50 cp., Of a toxicologically acceptable stable base detergent surfactant; b) toxicologically acceptable basic pH regulator selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, ortho-phosphates and / or 15 potassium and / or sodium carbonates soluble in water, to provide a pH of about 10.9 to about 12.5; and c) optionally, from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of said calcium ion sequestrant, which is selected from the group consisting of sodium and / or tripolyphosphate, ethylenediaminetetraacetate, citrate and mixtures thereof.
4. 4. The method according to claim 2, further characterized in that said diluted aqueous treatment composition comprises: a) less than about 0.1% by weight and sufficient to reduce the viscosity of said solution to less than about 10 cp ., r ñ, t á »m Éi iuám ^^^^^^ ^ ^^^ m ^ of toxicologically acceptable sodium and / or potassium alkyl sulfate with stable base and / or C8-14 soap; b) toxicologically acceptable basic pH regulator selected from the group consisting of water-soluble potassium and / or sodium ortho-phosphates and / or carbonates, to provide a pH of from about 11.3 to about 12.3; and c) optionally, from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid salt.
5. 5. The method according to claim 4, further characterized in that said diluted aqueous treatment composition comprises: a) less than about 0.1% by weight and sufficient to reduce the viscosity of said solution to less than about 5 cp ., of toxicologically acceptable sodium and / or potassium alkyl sulphate with stable base and / or C8-14 soap; and c) optionally, from about 0.01% to about 0.2% by weight of sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate.
6. 6. The method according to claim 2, further characterized in that said diluted aqueous treatment composition comprises: a) less than about 0.1% by weight and sufficient to reduce the viscosity of said solution to less than about 5 cp ., of toxicologically acceptable sodium and / or potassium alkyl sulphate with stable base and / or C8-u soap; and c) optionally, from about 0.01% to 20 about 1% by weight of sodium tripolyphosphate.
7. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said treatment composition is made by diluting a concentrated composition with water containing microorganisms, the concentrated material "+ - > '& .. muii ilfaHláíáß £ ^ M M is used at a level of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the dilute aqueous treatment composition
8. 8. A solution of dilute aqueous treatment. comprising: a) less than about 0.5% by weight of anionic surfactant detergent toxicologically acceptable stable base; b) regulator toxicologically acceptable basic pH selected from the group consisting of hydroxides of potassium and / or sodium and / or soluble calcium in water, ortho-phosphates, carbonates, and / or bicarbonates, to provide a pH of from about 10.5 to about 13; c) optionally, from about 0.0005% to about 3% by weight of calcium ion chelator selected from the group It is consisting of sodium polyphosphate and / or potassium and / or organic polycarboxylate; d) optionally, toxicologically-acceptable preservative; e) optionally, toxicologically acceptable suds suppressor; f) the remainder comprising a carrier water selected from water and, optionally, a low level low molecular weight, toxicologically acceptable organic solvent.
9. 9. A composition according to claim 8, further characterized in that it comprises: a) less than about 0.2% by weight and sufficient to reduce the viscosity of said solution to less than about 50 cp. Of anionic detergent surfactant Toxicoiologically acceptable stable base; b) toxicologically acceptable basic pH regulator selected from the group consisting of water soluble potassium, sodium and / or potassium hydroxides, ortho-phosphates and / or carbonates, ^ H j to provide a pH of about 10.9 to about 12.5; and c) optionally, from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of said calcium sequestrant.
10. 10. A composition according to claim 9, further characterized in that: a) less than about 0.1% by weight and sufficient to reduce the viscosity of said solution to less than about 10 cp., Sodium alkyl sulfate and / or or toxicologically acceptable potassium stable base and / or C8-u soap; b) toxicologically acceptable basic pH regulator selected from the group consisting of water-soluble potassium and / or sodium ortho-phosphates and / or carbonates, to provide a pH of about 11.3 to about 12.3; and c) optionally, from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of calcium ion sequestrant.
11. 11. A composition according to claim 10, further characterized in that it comprises: a) less than about 0.1% by weight and sufficient to reduce the viscosity of said solution to less than about 5 cp., Of sodium alkyl sulfate and / or toxicologically acceptable potassium stable base and / or C8-u soap; and c) optionally, from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of sodium tripolyphosphate and / or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
12. 12. A concentrated composition suitable for use in the preparation of diluted compositions for treating food at a basic pH of more than about 10.5, diluting with water and using from about 0.1% to about 5% of the concentrated composition, by weight of the diluted composition, said concentrated composition comprises: a) from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of toxicologically acceptable detergent surfactant; b) toxicologically acceptable basic pH regulator to provide a pH of about 10.5 to 5 about 13 in said diluted composition, but with low reserve alkalinity in said diluted composition to avoid harming a human, the level of orthophosphate, when present , is from about 3% to about 60%, by weight of phosphoric acid equivalent; c) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 35% by weight of 10 toxicologically acceptable calcium ion sequestrant to control calcium ions; d) optionally, toxicologically acceptable preservative; e) optionally, toxicologically acceptable foam suppressant; and f) the remainder comprising toxicologically acceptable minor and / or inert compatible ingredients.
13. 13. A composition according to claim 12, further characterized in that it is diluted to be from 0.5% to about 2% by weight of said diluted treatment composition, and sufficient to reduce the viscosity of said composition to less than about 10 cp., Comprising: a) from about 0.5% to about 25% by weight 20 of toxicologically acceptable sodium and / or potassium alkyl sulfate with stable base and / or C8-? 4 soap; b) as a regulator of basic pH, hydroxide, ortho-phosphate, carbonate, and / or potassium bicarbonate and / or sodium and / or calcium, to have a pH of about 10.9 to about 12.5 in said composition. m * m á ím? áÉmi? i * Éim diluted treatment; and c) from about 1% to about 10% by weight of calcium ion sequestrant.
14. 14. A composition according to claim 13, further characterized in that a) said anionic surfactant is alkyl sulfate and / or C8-β4 soap; b) said basic pH regulator provides a pH of about 11.3 to about 12.3 in said diluted treatment composition; and c) there is from about 2% to about 20% of said calcium ion sequestrant, which is sodium and / or potassium tripolyphosphate and / or ethylenediaminetetraacetate.
15. 15. A diluted treatment composition that is made by diluting from 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the composition according to claim 12 with impure water to form a composition having a viscosity of less than about 50 centipoise under effort more than 1000 sec. "
16. 16. A composition according to claim 15, further characterized in that it has a viscosity of less than about 10 centipoise.
17. 17. A composition according to claim 15, further characterized in that it has a viscosity of less than about 5 centipoise.
18. 18. A composition according to claim 12, further characterized in that said composition contains from about 0.001% to about 0.05% of an antioxidant. ^ m & i
19. 19. - A composition according to claim 12, further characterized in that said composition only contains GRAS and / or food grade ingredients.
20. 20. The composition according to claim 12, further characterized in that said composition contains an effective amount of toxicologically acceptable foam suppressant.
21. 21. The composition according to claim 12, further characterized in that said composition is formed using impure water.