MXPA98000042A - Methods, compositions, and / or cleaning / sanitation articles, for non-alimentic surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

Basic cleaning compositions are provided using toxicologically acceptable ingredients to clean inanimate non-food surfaces, liquid formulations comprising detergent surfactant, such as oleate, alcohol ethoxylates, etc., and neutralized phosphoric acid are sprayed on apples, lettuce and the like to remove dirt and debris. unwanted deposits, especially wax, articles are described for applying the compositions to agricultural products by spraying, the use of compositions for the disinfection / sanitation of fruits and vegetables and cleaning / disinfection / sanitation of tel

Description

METHODS, COMPOSITIONS, AND / OR CLEANING / SANITATION ITEMS, FOR NON-FOOD INANIMATED SURFACES TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to methods for removing dirt and other unwanted residues from agricultural products, for example, fruits and vegetables, which are intended for the ingestion of humans or lower animals and to detergent compositions, especially in liquid form, which are especially suitable for the practice of said methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known and appreciated by consumers that fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed before they are swallowed in order to remove dirt and other unwanted residues that may stick undesirably to the surfaces of the same. In addition, some consumers want to remove artificial "waxy" coatings that can be applied to some fruits to delay moisture loss for increased shelf life and to improve their appearance. .e has calculated that 95% of consumers recognize the need to wash full-fledged but, commonly, only use tap water for this purpose, in the order of% of those consumers who wash their vegetables use a household cleaner , Typically a liquid dishwashing product, help to ensure the clean. However, dishwashing products are not specifically intended for such use, since they are usually designed to provide persistently high suppression which makes them inconvenient d < to remove fruits or vegetables that have been washed with them. You will also appreciate that the formation of affective-looking compositions, especially those that can be safely used by individual consumers, to wash vegetables and vegetables presents a unique problem to the form, since many ingredients of 1 piece described in the art supposedly would not be desirable to be used in direct contact with foods where they can not be removed completely. Furthermore, it would be especially desirable to provide toxicologically acceptable cleaning compositions effective for fruits and vegetables in the form of substantially spurious liquid solutions which are clear or have only minimal turbidity. The liquid solutions are convenient for the user, since they can be applied directly to dirty fruits and vegetables, followed by rinsing in tap water. The clarity of liquids connotes cleaning for the user and in this way is highly desirable. The low spin is an important attribute so that the removal of the rinsing solution is achieved quickly and -having a lot. It would also be an advantage if said compositions could be provided in the form of concentrates, which can be diluted by the consumer before being used and / or applied to fruits and vegetables as a direct spray. Unfortunately, many acceptable toxicological cleaning ingredients do not meet the requirements; above mentioned for liquid products dilutable, clear and low sputtering. Many detersive surfactants form cloudy and even opaque suspensions, even in soft water. Of course, many surfactants are specifically designed to be high spitting. Still others form relativily intractable phases in their concentrated form. It has been disclosed that soap and / or certain nonionic surfactants, properly formulated, for example, with water soluble oleate or laurate salts and other ingredients, can provide liquid compositions having the desired properties described above. It has also been described that preferred compositions can be formulated on the basic pH scale. Although said basic compositions have a soapy feel, they are preferred over the acidic compositions herein to remove artificial waxy coatings, especially from fruits such as apples. However, the invention also comprises basic compositions that have less soap feel. It has now been discovered that the addition of neutralized phosphoric acid provides even better cleaning, especially of corrodible material, even at the same pH.

ANTECEDENT TECHNIQUE The use and selection of cleaning ingredients for the purpose of washing fruits and vegetables is described by the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States, Title? 1, Section 173.315: "Tgnred? Ent foi use in washing or lye peel ng of frnits and vegetables ". These regulations restrict the ingredients that can be used for direct contact with food to those described as "generally considered safe" (GRAS), and some other selected ingredients. These sections also provide certain limitations on the amount of material that can be used in a given context. Among these ingredients, the form will only find some ingredients that can provide effective cleaning of hydrophobic waste, such as waxes, oils, or man-made chemical residues such as pesticides. It is recognized that these types of residues are readily removed by ingredients of surfactants in water, or by organic solvents, mainly in the absence of water. Other types of soils, especially insoluble particulate soils which do not readily disperse in water, are effectively removed by surfactant materials in water, especially when they have the aid of complex ammonium salts, such as citrates (olicarboxylates), or salts of pol i fos while,. In this limited group of ingredients The scale of effective cleaning ingredients well suited to the task of cleaning fruits and vegetables, especially as practiced by individual consumers, has not been described previously. It is desired to formulate liquid compositions which are directly applied to agricultural products, preferably by spray application, or can be provided in suitable concentrated form to allow convenient dilution in a tank or water collector for washing products. agricultural through immersion. Furthermore, it is desired if the compositions are low sputtering, and rinsed easily, without leaving residue. The preferred compositions should be gentle to the hands, especially for direct application. Food Chemical News, Tnc., 1991, p. 334.1, records that PEG 200-9500 has been clarified under §178.3750 or a component in articles to be used in contact with food (Fed. Re íster, October 15, 1968). However, to wash agricultural products, polyethylene glycol must be affirmed as GRA.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention encompasses methods for preparing agricultural products, especially fruits and vegetables, (and compositions, as described below, to practice said principles) at a basic pH, the present invention comprises several aspects including: A method for cleaning agricultural products comprising contacting said surfaces of said agricultural products by direct application of an aqueous cleaning solution comprising: (a) from about 0.01% to about 15% acid and C- Ciß; ib) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of nonionic surfactant, especially ethoxylated and / or propoxylated adductions of C12-I8 aliphatic alcohols but preferably less than about one-eighth of the amount of said acid fatty; (c) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 100% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid, preferably citric acid; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base ammonium surfactant such as the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts of dodecyl benzene sulfate; (e) optionally, toxicologically acceptable basic regulator such as basic materials of potassium and / or sodium, for example, hydroxide and / or carbonate and / or bicarbonate salts; (f) optionally, conservative toxicology, accept abl; (g) optionally, but preferably, from about 0.05% to about 10%, preferably about 0.1% to about 5%, most preferred from about 0.3% to about 2% phosphoric acid; (h) optionally, at least about 0. 05%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferred around 0. 25% to about 3.0%, by weight, of water-soluble polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 200, or more; and (i) the residue which comprises an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, an organic solvent that is chemically acceptable under a low molecular weight such as ethanol, glycerol, etc .; all of the above acidic materials being, of course, neutralized under the alkaline conditions of the product, preferably neutralized with compatible basic material of sodium and / or potassium, preferably potassium, wherein said aqueous solution has a pH on the scale of 9.5. or more, preferably more than about 11, and still highly preferred from about 11.5 to about 12.5, and said composition preferably being essentially free of any material that is not toxicologically acceptable.

The innovations described here preferentially include composi tions for use in a method for plant and vegetable routes at a basic pH above about 9.5, which include: (a) about 0.U1% to about 15% of neutral acid Cß-Ciß acid, preferably a member selected from the group consisting of sodium or potassium oleate (preferred), or 0.5% aldodedoi to 10% by weight of sodium or potassium laurate; (b) optionally, from 0.1% to about 4% by weight of nonionic surfactant, especially ethoxylated and / or propoxylated adductions of alcohols to C12-I8 fatics, but preferably less than about one-eighth of the quality of said fatty acid; (c) optionally, but preferably from about 0.2% to about 4% by weight of potassium and / or sodium carboxylate, which has a detergency-enhancing capacity and is preferably derived from natural sources, such as potassium citrate and / or sodium, co or a dispersant for particle soils; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base ammonium surfactant such as the alkali metal or alkali metal salts or notoriety of dodeei Ibenconaulonate; (e) optionally, oxo-logically acceptable organic basic such as potassium and / or sodium, for example, hydroxides and / or carbonate salts and / or bicarbonate or; (f) optionally, preservative tox i cologicarnente ac p * a le; (g) option l mind, but profoi gum, from around 0 05% to approximately 10%, Jo profei gingiva of around 0.1% < • Approximately 5%, much preferred or around 0.3% to approximately 2% of ac t or f r * i co; (h) optionally, at least appro priately 0. 05%, preferably around 0.1% to about 10%, most preferred around 0. 25% to approximately 3.0%, by weight, of water-soluble polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 200, or more; and (i) the moiety comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, acceptable toxo organic solvent of low molecular weight such as ethanol, glycerol, etc.; preferably selected from water and water-ethanol; wherein said aqueous cleaning solution has a pH of 9.5 or more, and preferably employs carbonate salt, or salts, as in regulator (e), preferably with hydroxide base, to provide a pH of about 11 to about 12.5, most preferred about 11.5 to about 12.5. The compositions can also be formulated as concentrates, where at least part of (i) is removed and the levels of the remaining ingredients are adjusted to complete the formula. In all *; The above lists of components, an ingredient can classify in one place, will be classified in the first place- that may appear .. A more specific method to clean fruits and vegetables at a basic pH, preferably at about 9.5, the surfaces of said fruits and vegetables are contacted with an aqueous cleaning solution comprising potassium oleate, preferably at a level of more than approximately 0.5%. Potassium oleate is mild, rinses well, has minimal odor, is effective in removing unwanted materials, especially wax, from apples, does not overspray, and is very safe, even when the composition is used erroneously and the vegetable , or fruit, etc., is not rinsed completely. Therefore, it is a unique preferred surfactant for use in the cleaning of food materials such as vegetables and fruits. The potassium cation is more useful than the sodium cation, especially in the absence of polyethylene glycol, since potassium oleate is quite soluble whereas sodium oleate tends to form a less soluble soap, especially at low temperatures. 1 L A concentrated alkaline method for cleaning agricultural products comprises contacting the surfaces of agricultural products with a cleaning solution containing from about 0.5% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.75% to about R%, about 5%. from 1% to about 5%, of detergent surfactant, preferably one which is GRAS, and u and preferred said oleate surfactant, said cleaning solution having a pH of about 9.5 to about 12.5, preferably about 11 to about 12.5, especially when the detergent surfactant is a soap such as said oleate, most preferred of about 11.5 to about 12.3. Said compositions when used in an effective amount for cleaning wax-coated apples will provide effective removal of the wax when combined with the neutralized phosphoric acid. The removal of apple wax is one of the most difficult cleaning tasks and therefore indicates the overall superior performance. It is important to remove as much wax as possible to minimize the amount of any undesirable material that may be trapped by the wax. Another preferred variation in the above methods for cleaning agricultural products involves placing said cleaning solutions in a sprinkler container to provide a sprinkling of said solution to distribute said solution, or solutions, on the surfaces of the agricultural products at the same time using only a minimum amount of the cleaning solution and minimizing the exposure of the remaining solution to the atmosphere, where the solution is likely to be contaminated and / or exposed to oxygen, which tends to cause unwanted changes in the solutions of considerations of aesthetics and / or operation. In such aspoision procedures, only a relatively small amount of material is needed in the package, and for individual consumer use, this is desired, and < That some consumers will not be able to manipulate large weights. For individual consumer use, typically, the container will contain no more than about two gallons (about eight liters), preferably no more than about one gallon (to about four liters), especially when the container is a container-sprinkler, yet one that has a tube that allows the sprinkler device to be punctured while the global container remains in place. Very preferred said sprinkler containers contain approximately one liter of cleaning solution. The invention encompasses basic cleaning compositions in concentrated and diluted forms, specially adapted to practice said methods. (In the following description, minor amounts of the specific ingredients denote the dilute forms of the compositions herein and the larger amounts denote the concentrated forms "are typically diluted by a factor- from about 2 to about 3). The compositions can still be concentrated to liquids or non-aqueous solids in accordance with the teaching of US Pat. 5,280,042, Lopes, said patent being incorporated by reference. Said compositions include the following. A composition for cleaning fruits and vegetables at a basic pH, comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably < 1e about 1% to about 5%, by weight of a member selected from sodium or potassium oleate (preferred), sodium or potassium laurate, or mixtures of the same; (b) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 4%, preferably from about 0.3% to about 1.0%, by weight of nonionic surfactant as described above; (c) from about 0.2% to about 4% by weight of polycarboxylic acid salt, especially citrate or potassium hydrogen; (d) from about 0.3% to about 5% "ortho-phosphoric acid; and (e) the remainder comprising aqueous vehicle selected from water and water-ethanol; wherein said composition has a pH of 9.5 or more. Preferably, the basic compositions herein contain about 0.5% to about < _nearly 1.5% L by weight of carbonate buffer and / or potassium and / or sodium bicarbonate and have a pH of about 11.5 to about 1. The compositions herein for use in a concentrated alkaline method contain from 0.1% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 8%, most preferably from about 1%. to about 5%, of detergent surfactant, of pyrid in one which is OPAS; from about 0.3% to about 5% ortho-phosphoric acid and have a pH of about 9.5 to about 12.5, about -5.5 to about 12.3. Such compositions, when used in an effective amount to clean apples coated with wax, will provide more effective removal of the wax. The removal of wax from apples is one of the most difficult cleaning tasks and therefore indicates the overall superior performance. The present invention also encompasses compositions with improved tactile printing which are specially adapted for cleaning fruits and vegetables, comprising: (a) At least about 0.1%, preferably about 0.5% to about 8%, most preferably about from 1% to about 5% by weight of a large acid of C12-C18 or salt thereof; (b) at least about 0.05%, a preference of about 0.1% to about 10%, very high or about 0.25% per year, and 3.0%, on the ground, of a water soluble polyethylene glycol. which has a molecular weight of approximately 200, or more; (c) "It is about 0.1% to about 5% neutral or neutral acid; and (d) water vehicle and water-ethanol, said composition having a basic pH. The composition side may comprise several optional adjunct materials, pH adjusting agents, per-fumes or essences, preservatives and the like. In a preferred mode, component (b) has a molecular weight on the scale of about 300 to about 9500. Typical compositions herein are wherein component (a) is potassium oleate, and wherein the weight ratio of (a) :( b) is on the scale from about "1: 2 to about 30: 1. , preferably from about 1: 1 to about 15: 1. Compositions that have improved tactile printing are typically formed on the basic pH scale, preferably pH of about 9.5 to about pH. 12. 5. Preferred compositions have a viscosity at ambient temperature of less than about 100 centipoise, preferably less than about 50 centipoise for compositions that can be sprayed.

Preferred compositions for use in the present are with only ORAS materials, including, of course, direct food additives claimed as ORAS, to protect against possible misuse of the consumer, Traditionally + e, most of the Suggestions for cleaning fruits and / or vegetables have contemplated a commercial scale where oxygenation typically controls conditions, especially the amount and hardness to rinse. The present invention, especially those methods involving the use of manually activated triggering means are principally suitable for use by individual consumers so that it is essential that the product has additional safety. A minor concern is not to rinse completely afteds. "Clean up if all the ingredients are GRAS. This is especially important when using concentrated basic compositions suitable for removing apple wax. The greater quantities of materials needed for the removal of wax represent a unknown hazard in the present risk to individual consumers, many of whom probably do not read, or follow, instructions that would allow safe use of materials that are not GRAS. The ingredients in the above compositions are preferably selected and used in proportions that provide substantially clear compositions. "Substantially clear" includes only turbidity rnína, and preferably the compositions are clear porpoxy. The ingredients are also selected to have minimal odor, both at the beginning and after storage. The lack of odor is especially important in compositions for use in food. Preferred compositions have a viscosity that is greater than about 2 centipoise, preferably more than about 80 centipoise when resting, but thin under shear stress to allow easy dispensing, especially of spray containers. At a lower pH of about 9.7, the compositions may exhibit some odor of objectionable fatty acid. Even at optimum pHs above 1 1, some odor may persist. In order to mask this odor, the compositions may contain a GRAS perfume, or essence, ingredient. Especially preferred for this use are citrus fruit oils, for example, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, tangerines (tangerine hybrid and grapefruit), etc. which contains relatively large amounts of terpenes. 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" it is meant that any residue of the ingredients of the compositions which may remain in the fruits or vegetables cleaned therewith are safe for ingestion by humans and / or lower animals. Agent Non-ionic Surfactant - The non-ionic surfactant is preferably selected from materials known in the art, such as alkylene oxide adductions ("ethelene oxide and / or propylene oxide") of allylic alcohols of C? -18 or acids, adductions «He alcohol to the attic of C? O-18 glucose (alkyl polyglucosides). The selected nonionic surfactant ideally selected has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than about LO, and a cloud point about 35 ° C in the composition. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) of the United States 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-0 (BASF) . In the basic compositions containing soap, the alkoxylated alcohol functions primarily as a dispersant for any soap curd that may be formed during the cleaning operation. Furthermore, it is recognized that the selection of nonionics containing non-nitrogen can minimize the possibility of microbial growth in the dilute surfactant compositions.

Fatty Acid and / or Salts of the Same - The acidic compositions herein are preferably formulated using a granulated, more saturated acid; Oleic acid is petrified and convenient for this use. However, the particular oleic acid that is selected should preferably be low in polysaurates, for example, they contain less than about 10%, preferably less than about 7%, most preferred less than about 5%, of minor polyunsaturated acid components, and will typically have an Iodine Value (TV) of about 70 to about 100, preferably about 83 to about 95, preferably about 85 to about 90. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are not preferred in the present, due to odor problems. However, this is mainly from static considerations since such acids are effective in cleaning. The amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids with more than about two direct entails should be less than about 1%, preferably 0%. Saturated fatty acids are unacceptable because they have limited solubility for materials of longer chain length (-C12), or have unacceptable odor (<C_o). For example, stearic and / or tallow fatty acid soaps, even potassium soaps, do not have sufficient solubility at room temperature, where most of the cleaning of agricultural products is done by individual consumers, to formulate even compositions containing the minimum of approximately 0.1% soap required for acceptable cleaning. Other agents that are specific to the ubiquitous sun are specific in higher proportions would require solubilizing these saturated fatty acids. Oleic acid with Parnolyn 100 F: GK is a good example of suitable commercial fatty acid. Acid f osfop co - Phosphoric acid is an extremely desirable component to improve the removal of, for example, apple wax. The advantage is not only due to pH since the me is observed at any pH. For example, as described below, when the pH varies from about 11 to about 12, the results are higher when the neutralized ortho-phosphoric acid is present. The result is also not due to any neutrality of the neutralized phosphoric acid acting as a detergent to inhibit the problems associated with water hardness., since the results improve when the compositions are used completely by direct application between the waxy surface. It is surprising that neutralized orthophosphoric acid provides such a large benefit. The advantage is observed especially when the compositions are used completely, for example, by spraying the composition directly on the surface of the agricultural product. Poliet len Glycol - The water-soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer employed herein is the known article of commerce and is available under a variety of trademarks, of which CARBOUAX (Union Carbide Corporation) is an example of PEG in The average molecular weight scale of about 200 to about 20,000 which can be used herein, and PFG as CnRBOUAX on the average molecular weight scale of at least about 200, preferably 300 to about 9500, It is convenient and preferred. As described above, the compositions herein will comprise at least about 0.05%, by weight, of the PEG and will typically comprise from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight, of PEG. The amounts used can vary with the molecular weight of the PEG, the amount of oleate and other fatty acid used in the composition, the desired viscosity of the composition, and similar factors within the discretion of the form. The following table T illustrates the variation in viscosity that can be realized using various levels of PEG and molecular weights of PFG that vary in a liquid composition (Control) comprising 3% potassium oleate. Table I also illustrates the effect of sodium benzoate (Bz) on viscosity.

?? TABLE I Viscosity (cP * as done) Viscosity (cP * as done) Composition 22 ° C 6 ° C Control (no PEG) 7 110 Control + 0.674% Bz 23 1000 Control * 0.118% Bz 7 159 Control • * 0.1 % of PFG 400 5 36 Control + 0.5% of PEG 400 2 17 Control 0.1% of PEG 8000 5 23 Control «• 0.5% of PFG 8000 8 4 * V ices in cen ipoise as determined using a Brookfield LVTD spindle # 2, 60 rpm at the designated temperature. In a typical mode, preferred compositions herein having improved tactile printing will comprise oleate weight ratios: PEG on the scale from about 1: 2 to about 30: 1, preferably about 1: 1. at about 15: 1. Tacti Printing - The present compositions containing the polyethylene glycol are characterized not only by their excellent cleaning performance and sprayability / rinsing properties, but also by their improved viscosity properties and improved "feel". As described above, although the improved properties of the compositions herein are readily displayed quantitatively using standard measurement techniques, the improved feel of the compositions having contact with the hands of the user is a qualitative useful impression. However, this "non-slippery", "non-soapy" improvement • improved in skin feel can be achieved by rubbing Test (containing PEG) and Control (without PFG) compositions on internal hands or forearms of the volunteer qualifiers. Even in such rudimentary tests, levelers can easily distinguish improvements in the tactile printing of compositions made in accordance with this invention. Agents had touches. Optional, optionally, stable base ammonia agents may be used, as permitted by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) of the United States, Title 21, Section 173.315. Preferred salts are dodecylbenzene sulfonate, typically at levels up to 0.2%. Also described in the CFR are the phosphate esters of ethylene and / or ethylene / propylene oxide adductions of aliphatic alcohols, dioctyl sulfosuccinate and 2-ethexyl sulfate. Sequestrant / Detergency Builder.- The organic polycarboxylic acid, or salt thereof, for example, citric acid, or sodium and / or potassium citrate, and / or intertracetic acid and ileadia or sodium and / or potassium ethylenediamine estraacetate. They are conventional trade items and they are GRAS. Other organic polycarboxylic acids can also be used, especially those which are GRAS, such as tartaric, rhenic acids, etc. When formulating the basic formulations herein, it is preferred to use the potassium salt, as compared to the salt of sodium, to provide ease of formulation. Complex phosphates can also be used, but they are usually avoided due to regulator settings. PH regulator. - Basic pH toxicology regulators can be used acceptable in the compositions herein to maintain the pH of the product at the base scale. For ease of formulation, much preference is given to the fact that said basic pH regulators are in the potassium salt form. Potassium citrate is a preferred dispersant for particle soils. Potassium carbonate is a preferred and convenient basic pH regulator. Sodium bicarbonate is a convenient material to be added to the compositions of this invention as a part of the pH regulation system, since it is easily obtainable as sodium bicarbonate in food grade and, therefore, is relatively little expensive, while providing a highly convenient purity for the composition. Compositions formulated with a mixture of cations (potassium and sodium) in molar ratios of about 1: 1 to about 10: 1, preferably from about 2: 1 to about 8: 1, and most preferably about from 4: 1 to about 5: 1 potassium to sodium, for example, as supplied by mixtures of potassium hydroxide (hydrate) and sodium bicarbonate, which have desirable rheological properties.The compositions are sufficiently viscous, as to adhere to the fruit or the ?? Vegetables until they disperse, but are easily supplied, for example, by a spray device, either spray or pump activated by finger pressure. The levels and identities of the ingredients are adjusted to provide products having desirable viscosities such as those set forth herein, eg, more than about 2, preferably about 5 or more, and more preferable about 10. in ipoise when you find < - n i eposo and less than about 150, preferably less than about 100, more preferably less than about 50 centipoise subjected to shear stress of > "The ability of pre-erased compositions containing mixtures of both sodium and potassium cations to thin by shear stress is important to promote ease of delivery, especially when the compositions are sprayable, while that the ability to thicken, adhere and delay spillage is maintained after the application of the product.The pH is preferably not greater than about 12. 5, and especially does not contain large amounts of pH regulator at higher pHs for consumer safety, especially when the compositions can be sprayed. Preservative. - Formulating the compositions of the present in high pH reduces the tendency to biological growth of ontminantes, such as bacteria, fungi or mold. At a neutral pH, an increased preservation of condoms is required to ensure the lack of biological growth through contamination during performance or use. Conventional food-grade condoms such as the acid et lendiarní ntetraaceti co and / or salts of the same, at a level of about 0.01% to about 0.2% of acid et ilend Lamítetraacet co, or its salts of Sodium and / or potassium may be used although, in general, the basic pH compositions herein do not require a preservative. Antioxi dantes. The use of commercial oleic acid, or oleate salts, can be complicated by the development of bad odors and / or by the blending of the compositions in which it appears. It is believed that these inconvenient properties are caused by the complex collateral reactions initiated by the reaction of oxygen mainly with the polyunsaturated components of the acid supply. These results can be avoided, or reduced, by avoiding contact with the air or by controlling the quality of the fatty acid supply so that the amount and type of polyunsaturates is reduced as described above, and / or by the addition of antioxidants. It has been found that the addition of tocopherols (e.g., Vitamin E, or tocopherol acetates) in alkaline formulations is convenient, because they do not degrade, nor do they impart a strong color. They inhibit the development of odors during long periods so that the need for essences to cover them is reduced or eliminated, particularly for the supply of high quality oleic acid as described above. The use of butylated phenols, such as BHT and BHA, are also useful, but the amount should be limited so as to avoid coloring the compositions. Other food-grade antioxidizers, such as vitamin C and sulphides, are suitable for preventing the deterioration of the compositions through the action of oxygen, but caution should be exercised since vitamin 0 may undergo color degradation- and Suifitos can cause odor problems. Sulfites have also been the target of potential health concerns. Fluid vehicle.- The main proportion, for example., More than about "thirds, (typically, 80% -98% by weight) of the compositions herein included. water as the solubilization vehicle for the ingredients. As noted in the following examples, water-ethanol may also be employed and are especially preferred when formulating the basic pH compositions herein. The level of ethanol should preferably not exceed 2% in the solution used to clean the product, to avoid an alcoholic smell, especially when spraying. Other compatible, water-soluble, low molecular weight solvents such as glycerol are also used. The compositions herein are preferably used by placing them in a package comprising either an aerosol container or a non-aerosol spray device "spray means". Said1; spray means are any of those that are operated manually, preferably "trigger", means for producing a spray of liquid drops as is known in the art. Typical spray media as described in the Patents of F.U.A. Nos. 4,082,223, Nozawa, issued April 4, 1978; 4,161,288, McKinney, issue 1? July 1979; 4558,821, from rada and others, issued on December 17, 1985; 4,434,917, Saito et al., Issued on June 6, 1984; and 4,819,835, Tasak, issued Apr. 11, 1998, all of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference. The bottle (spray), or the container can be any of those commonly used to contain detergent compositions for hard surfaces.Examples of bottles are those in the US utility model Nos .: 244,991, Ueekman et al, issued on July 12, 1977, and 275,078, Uassergord et al., issued on August 14, 1984, said patents are hereby incorporated by reference. The means of spraying herein may also include those incorporating a compatible propellant gas. in a liquid and those that will foam even in detergent compositions having a viscosity less than about 15 cps The device may also be one that can be adjusted, either to give a liquid spray or a foam.

The means of sprinkling on the p? These are typically those that act with a discrete amount of composition, typically by means of a piston that displaces the composition and extrudes it through a nozzle to create an atomization of the non-dense. Preferred articles include the compositions herein that are suitable for use in the processes described therein, in a container that can provide a spray. Such articles are not widely sold. Tato is surprising in view of the advantages of individual consumers using such products. Typical use involves treating individual items of agricultural product that would make the preparation of a "bath" useless. In a preferred process for using the products described herein, especially those formulated for full strength, the product is sprayed onto the food product to be cleaned, scrubbed, rinsed and / or cleaned with a material clean suitable as a cloth, sponge or paper towel, etc. Surprisingly, the compositions and methods described herein can provide effective disinfection / sanitation. In order to provide for the disappearance of microorganisms, especially bacteria, higher concentrations and / or longer exposure times should be used. Typically, the products should be used with full force and should be allowed to remain on the agricultural product at least Approximately (increase by one minute preferably by at least 5 minutes and, for some microorganisms, even ten minutes may be needed. Long exposure times (ie, the time that bacteria are in contact with the product) have greater antirnicrobial benefits.The importance of time depends on both the pH of the product and the concentration of the formula. -1 high (> ll.b) and high concentrations, antibacterial efficacy is achieved quickly.With lower pH values (pH <11) and lower formula concentrations, a longer exposure time is needed for To achieve the same efficiency, the higher pHs are generally better.This factor is important for the performance of the product on the negative bacterium Grarn, for example., Escherichia coli and Pseud species Ones The higher the pH of the product, the faster and more complete elimination occurs. The opposite is true for the positive bacterium Grarn, for example., Staphylococcus aureus. The "jesernpeño" is equal, or slightly better, as the pH decreases from 11.5 to 9.5. However, this is only true when the formula contains oleic acid. As stated above, higher formula concentrations (when made independently of pH) improve the antirnicrobial efficacy of the product. The presence of oleic acid is a key factor for performance on Gram positive organisms such as S. aureus, while pH is probably a major factor for Gram negative bacteria, eg, E. coli and Pseudomonas species. The packaging of the product in the present? in a container - with instructions for use in terms of time and avoidance - dilution in order to provide the depleting / sanitizing properties, will help the consumer? n? l? v? dual providing information For proper use on the end of the process, the microorganisms, a special advantage of the product is that it can be used for that purpose at the same time in the food production process where recontamination is reduced. The compositions may also be used to cleanse (especially to remove stains) disinfect, or sanitize, on inanimate and non-food domestic surfaces (ie, any surface that is not used as food, even those that are not in contact with food). ), especially those used in the production of food and other surfaces that are in contact with food (surfaces that come into contact with food). For example, chopping boards, countertops, utensils, plates, strainers, sinks, sponges, towels, dryers, cloth napkins, tablecloths and other surfaces that come into contact with food. It is convenient to disinfect, sanitize the surfaces before they come in contact with the food, and it is convenient to disinfect / sanitize? whenever the surfaces become contaminated again. The products here, which contain all the GRAS ingredients, are perfect for this purpose. On Surfaces (Jurass, of course, Compositions can be removed - after sufficient time has transpired, by rinsing or by absorption with a suitable object, for example, towel. paper, sponge, rubber brush, etc. Rinsing is still preferred The compositions of this invention can also be used for cleaning or other inanimate domestic surfaces that are not in contact with food, such as fabrics. , for example, clothing, shoes and bathroom curtains, especially those used by children, especially toys, nappies, and baby bottles, contaminated fabrics can be disinfected / sanitized, subsequently rinsed or washed, and reduced the risk if the child puts the cloth or other article in the mouth, the cloth can be completely scratched, or by treatment of areas, (the composition is removed, for example, by rinsing / cleaning, by absorbency, and / or mechanical force For fabrics, the pH of the compositions is preferably less than about 11.5, more preferably less than about 11. For fabrics and hard surfaces, the distribution of the compositions of this invention is achieved using a spray device, a roller, a pad, etc., or by immersing them in a "bath" of said compositions. (\ n Preferred method is sprinkling All parts, percentages and relationships herein are "by weight" unless, and stated otherwise, all numerical values are approximate unless otherwise stated. Examples illustrate the compositions and methods of this invention, but are not intended to limit the same.The basic liquid compositions exemplified can be prepared at a pH of 9.5-12.5 by dissolving the ingredients in water or water-ethanol using Conventional mixing apparatus In a convenient way, the water is collected in a mixing vessel, stirring with potassium hydroxide, orthophosphoric acid, any citric acid, any bicarbonate, glycerin (processing aid), and any ethanol in the mixture. The sequence is named, the oleic acid is added with high shear stress and stirring is continued PEG (which can be conveniently dispersed in advance in water) is added The ingredients of optional perfumes can be added at any time after the oleic acid is dissolved in the mixture.

EXAMPLE 1 Ingredient e Cont rol A B Water Product mvel% level% level% mvel% Water 90.93 90.90 88.20 100.00 KOH 1.33 1.33 3.06 EthaneL 2.00 2.00 2.00 Gl ic rina 2.00 2.00 2.00 Acetic acid 2.64 .64 2.64 Sodium bicarbonate 0.55 0.55 0.55 Phosphoric acid 1.00 Citric acid 0.52 0.52 0.52 F tence 0.03 0.03 0.03 Net pH 11.5 12.0 12.2 • 7.5 Glass flasks are coated with AP-40 lacquer and cured by tension for 24 hours (14 ° F. Then the flasks are washed at room temperature with - 5 grams (5 jets of a Calmar sprinkler # TS-800) of the respective products with a 10 sec rub, followed immediately by a rinse of water and letting it dry The percentage of wax removal was determined gravirnetically.% Wax Removal Control 14%, A 9%, B 38%, and Water 0%. Note: A vs. B shows a benefit for the addition of phosphoric acid at a similar pH.

EXAMPLE 2 Ingredient e Control A B c% of level Product or level% level level water reference level Water 90.93 88.08 88.05 88.05 100.00 KOH L.33 3.06 * 3.06 * 3.06 Ethanol 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Gli cep na 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Oleic acid 2.fai 2.64 2.64 2.64 Sodium bicarbonate 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.5b Phosphorus acid 1.00 1.00 1.00 Citric acid 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 Essence 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 PEG 3350 = 0.12 0.15 0.15 0 Net pH 11.5 12.6 12.0 11.5"7.5 * Use of target KOH, small amounts of additional KOH are used, replacing water, to use the final pH. Using variations in wax, curing, friction time and flask temperature, the above compositions are used to clean in a manner similar to that of Example 1, followed by a determination of the percentage of wax removed. The conditions and results of a test are as follows.

% Cora Removal Wax / cu r ion / friction me / Con rol AC Water flask temperature Lac / 60 in (.75C / 10 sec / < ernpe ra ^ uraabi on 51 97 73 03 Carnauba / 60 rnin (. 430/10 sec / temperat ura arnbi ne 4 82 75 73 Lacquer / 60 rnin f-V5C / 20 sg / OF 57 97 96 97 I aca / 30 n ft93O / "&nt; e / ernpe rtu ra ainb i te Ml () 0 Rl 65 The compositions of Examples 1 and 2 are prepared by adding oleic acid to the mixture of water, KOH, citric acid, phosphoric acid (if used), sodium bicarbonate, glycepine and ethanol. Finally, PEG 3350 (if used) and essence are added.

EXAMPLE 3 Ingredient A B C D Product level% level% level% level% Water 89.79 90.63 88.068 88. .91 KOH 2.12 1., 28 2.842 2. .00 Ethanol 2.00 2.00 2.00 2. .00 Gli cerina 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Oleic acid 2,643 2,643 2,643 2.,643 Sodium bicarbonate 0.547 0.54 0.547 0.547 1 7 Phosphoric acid J .00 1.00 Acid ci p co 0. 2 0.52 0.52 0.52 Essence 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 PEG 3350 .3 b ü .350 .350 .350 Net pH ll.b 10.5 ll.b 10.5 The above formulas are evaluated according to their ability to eliminate various cntional microorganisms. Small adjustments were made to the pH of the formulas immediately before the anti-crock test was carried out on the basis of the previous net pH values. The formulas eliminate cntional microorganisms effectively and the formulas «μie contain phosphoric acid are better, especially at a low pH. The amount of time required to control microorganisms is greater than would be used in a normal cleaning operation. Therefore, it is important to pack the product in a container with instructions to allow sufficient time for effective disposal to take place.

EXAMPLE 4 Ingredient AB Product level% level% Oleic acid 2.64 2.20 Baking soda 0.55 0.55 Phosphoric acid 1.00 Aci o (0.52 0.52 0.52 EDTA, sodium salt 0.05 0.10 Perfume GRAS 0.05 0.08 PFG 3350 2.00 5 KOH * ** Ethanol 2.00 2.00 Remaining Remaining Water * Sufficient quantity to obtain a pH of about 10%. ** Can not be enough to achieve a pH of about 10.5 Each of the compositions of examples 1 is Control, 4A, and 4fl are used to spray on a contaminated counter of a kitchen counter, left on the surface for approximately 10 minutes, then rinsed to provide a health benefit. Each of the compositions of control examples 2, 4A or 4B is used to spray over a contaminated area of a 50/50 polyester / cotton shirt, leaving it on the fabric for approximately 10 minutes, then the treated shirt is added a load of laundry to be washed - in a normal way in an automatic washing machine with a commercial detergent to provide a sanitation benefit.

EXAMPLE 5 Ingredient Weight% Water n. 2b PEG 3350 0.79 KOH 5.70 Ethane L 6.00 Glice ina 3.00 Oleic acid 7.90 Sodium bicarbonate 1.60 Phosphoric acid 1.00 Citric acid 1.56 Essence (grapefruit oil) 0.09 The concentrated composition in example 5 can be mixed, for example, with distilled water in one part of product and two parts of water until uniformly mixed and then used as a lower active liquid.

EXAMPLE 6 Ingredient Weight% Phosphate «je tnpotasio (TKP) 48. , 0 Potassium citrate 10. , 2 PEG 3350 4. , 3 Potassium oleate 36. The dry anhydrous composition in example 6 can be mixed, for example, with distilled water in one part of product and 11 parts of water until dissolved / mixed uniformly and then used in a liquid form.

Claims (1)

1. NOVELTY OF LR INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - A method for reducing the level of microorganisms on non-food inanimate surfaces comprising the step of contacting said surfaces with an aqueous cleaning solution comprising at least about 0.5% detergent surfactant and having a basic pH more than approximately 10 dur-ante a time in excess "Je apró ima (Jám nt a minute and enough to perform- a significant reduction in microorganisms compared to the same procedure where the solution is removed immediately. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution comprises: (a) from about 0.01% to about 15% C-Ciß-gaseous acid; (b) optionally, of about 0.1 % to about 4% by weight of nonionic surfactant, (c) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid, (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base ammonium surfactant; (e) optionally, a regulator that is basic toxicologically acceptable; (f) optionally, an acceptable colonic preservative tox; (g) optionally from about 0.05% to about 10% phosphoric acid; and (h) the remainder comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, a toxicologically acceptable low molecular weight organic solvent; wherein said aqueous solution has a pH of no more than about LO. 3. FL method according to claim 2, further characterized in that said supert c? .e is one that makes contact with food, and wherein said aqueous cleaning solution comprises: (a) of about 0.05% to about 10% oleic acid; (b) op i ona l ent e, from about 0.3% to about 1% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (c) optionally, from about 0.2% to about 4% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base ammonium surfactant; (e) optionally, a regulator of pH b basic toxicology acceptable and acceptable; (f) optionally, an acceptable toxicological preservative; (g) optionally about 0.1% to about 5% phosphoric acid; and (h) the moiety comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, a toxicologically acceptable organic solvent of low molecular weight; wherein said aqueous solution has a pH of not about 10.5. 4. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that the aqueous cleaning solution comprises from about 0.3% to about 2% by weight of ortho-phosphoric acid, wherein said organic polycarboxylic acid is ethylenediamine-acetic acid, and wherein said aqueous cleaning solution has a pH of about 10 to about 12.5. 5. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution comprises organic polymeric carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, acetaminophen and raacetic acid and mixtures thereof. ,. - A method according to the r-eiv indication 4, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution has an improved tactile impression and comprises: (a) at least about 0.75%, by weight, of oleic acid or salt of the same; and (b) at least about 0.05%, by weight, of a water-soluble polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 200 or more. 7. A method according to claim 5, further characterized in that the component (b) has a molecular weight in the scale of about 300 to about 9500. 8. A method according to claim 6, further characterized by -that component (a) is potassium oleate, and wherein the weight ratio of (a) :( b) is on the scale «e about 1: 2 to about 30: 1. 9. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that the pH of said aqueous cleaning solution is in the range of about 10.5 to about 12. 3 and wherein said microorganisms are bacteria. 10.-. { ) n method in accordance with the claim 3, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution has a lower viscosity of about 100 centipoise under shear stress and greater than about 1000 sec-i. 11. A method according to claim 9, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution has a viscosity of less than about 50 centipoise 12. A method according to claim 3 , further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution comprises a GRAS perfume 13. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution remains in contact with said agricultural products for at least five minutes. 14.- A method according to the claim 2, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution remains in contact with said agricultural products for at least about five minutes and said microorganisms are bacteria. 15. An article of commerce comprising a container containing an aqueous cleaning solution comprising: (a) from about 0.01% to about 15% of Cß-Ciß fatty acid; (b) optionally, from about 0.1% about 4% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (c) optional, from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of polycarboxylic acid organic; (d) option, up to approximately 0.2% by weight of a stable base ammonia agent; (e) optionally, a basic pH regulator toxi cologí cament e acceptable; (f) optionally, a colloquially acceptable preservative; (g) optically, from around 0.05% to around 10% phosphoric acid; and (h) the remainder comprising a selected aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, the collographically acceptable low molecular weight toxi organic solvent; wherein said aqueous solution has a pH no greater than about 10, and wherein said container has instructions for treatment of hard surfaces comprising the instruction to apply the solution to said surface and allow the solution to remain in contact with the surface. less for about 1 minute. 16. The article of commerce according to claim 14, further characterized in that said aqueous cleansing solution comprises: (a) from about 0.05% to about 10% oleic acid; (b) optionally, from about 0.3% to about 1% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (c) optionally, from about 0.2% to about 4% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base ammonium surfactant; (e) optionally, a 4b basic pH regulator-toxi cologicarnente acceptable; (f) optional, a toxicologically acceptable preser vant; (g) optionally, from about 0.3% to about 5% phosphonic acid; (h) the remainder comprising the aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, a toxicologically acceptable organic solvent of low molecular weight; wherein the aqueous solution has a pH of about 11 approximately 12.5 and wherein said container has instructions for hard surface areas comprising the instruction to apply the solution to the surface of said surfaces and allow the solution stay in contact for at least 5 minutes. 17. The article according to claim 15, further characterized in that said container- is a spray container, suitable for use by an individual to clean hard surfaces. 18. The article in accordance with the claim 14, further characterized in that said container is a spray container, suitable for use by an individual to clean hard surfaces. 19.- The article in accordance with the claim 15, further characterized in that said container is a spray container, suitable for use by an individual to clean agricultural products in which all the ingredients of said solution are GRAS, where there is at least 0.5% detergent.