WO2016100430A1

WO2016100430A1 - Microbicidal agent for enhancing shelf stability

Info

Publication number: WO2016100430A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/065960
Authority: WO
Inventors: Deepti Gupta; William Frederick Spano; Peter J. Sagona
Original assignee: Csp Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-12-18
Filing date: 2015-12-16
Publication date: 2016-06-23

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and products for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products.

Description

MICROBICIDAL AGENT FOR ENHANCING SHELF STABILITY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to methods and products for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco. More specifically, a microbicidal agent such as Allyl-Isothiocynate (AITC) is applied in, for example, vapor form to, for example, smokeless tobacco or plant material consumer products, in amounts effective for controlling or reducing microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast populations on or in material, such as e.g., smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products, to enhance and/or maintain the flavor profile, as well as enhance shelf life.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Conventional approaches to packaging smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products results in short shelf life, namely the degradation of the product, loss of volatile flavor compounds, and short flavor durations at the time of consumer use. Degradation of product and flavor loss can occur before and after newly-packaged smokeless tobacco reaches the consumer, and especially when the packaged smokeless tobacco is opened and closed by the consumer.

[0003] For the preparation of smokeless tobacco products, it is typical for harvested plants of the Nicotiana species to be subjected to a curing process. Tobacco curing is a process of physical and biochemical changes that bring out the aroma and flavor of each variety of tobacco. The physical changes are witnessed by moisture reduction and color change. The biochemical changes are witnessed by the degradation of chlorophyll that brings leaves their yellow appearance and the converting starch into sugar. Curing involves three essential steps: yellowing, browning (leaf drying) and stem drying. The yellowing stage is a continuation of the ripening process and is thought to be the most important part of the curing process. The leaf is still biochemically active till the end of yellowing, which allows it to carry on certain biological processes needed to convert starch to sugar and break down chlorophyll. The browning stage is also called leaf drying, where the lamina tissue is dried to a particular moisture level. Lamina color is fixed at the end of browning. The stem drying stage is referred to as the final drying process where extra moisture is removed from the stem.

[0004] Bacterial populations on tobacco leaves are known to grow exponentially (after a "lag") during curing as observed in traditional curing practices. Bacteria gain entrance into the tobacco leaf in large numbers through stomata or cracks formed in the leaf cuticle by tissue necrosis, particularly during lamina and stem drying of the tobacco. Bacteria also gain entrance into the tobacco leaf at any time through a damaged leaf cuticle. Damage to the leaf cuticle may occur in the field, during harvesting, during leaf transport or during curing.

[0005] The heat of the yellowing process during flue-curing and the prolonged exposure time of air-curing both result in growth of the bacterial population during yellowing. Bacterial populations may increase by 10 fold or more during this period. Hence, the removal or reduction of bacterial populations in tobacco leaves or in a tobacco curing environment is desirable.

[0006] Fungi may be present on tobacco plants at harvest, during curing process and after cure. Also, some fungi produce nitrite from nitrate. Therefore, the removal or reduction of fungal growth from tobacco leaves is also desired.

[0007] According to embodiments described herein, a method for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco. More specifically, a microbicidal agent such as Allyl-Isothiocynate (AITC) is applied in, for example, vapor form to, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products, in amounts effective for controlling or reducing microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast populations on or in plant material, such as e.g., smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products, to enhance and/or maintain the flavor profile, as well as enhance shelf life.

[0008] Use of a microbicidal agent can improve storage stability of the product, particularly the stability of the sensory profile of the product, and protect certain additives from degradation over time, which can improve storage stability of the product.

[0009] Hence, there is a need in the art for a process for preserving and/or enhancing the taste profile of smokeless tobacco products and improve the shelf life of smokeless tobacco products as well as plant material consumer products by applying a microbicidal composition. There is a further need for containers which will preserve and/or enhance the taste profile of smokeless tobacco products and/or plant material consumer products and improve the shelf life of smokeless tobacco products and/or plant material consumer products by containing a microbicidal composition.

[0010] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention provides a package for smokeless tobacco comprising: a pocket-sized package; smokeless tobacco inside the package; and at least one microbicidal insert inside the package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises at least one microbicidal agent, and further wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adapted to release the microbicidal agent in the package. The invention provides a package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a volatile microbicidal agent selected from the group consisting of allyl- isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance; a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity-controlling agent; and an antioxidant, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a package, wherein the smokeless tobacco inside the package comprises a form selected from the group consisting of loose smokeless tobacco; snus; pre- portioned tobacco; and one or more pouches, each of which comprises tobacco. The invention provides a package, wherein the packages comprises a bottom and a lid, and the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a first microbicidal insert disposed on a lid of the package and a second microbicidal insert disposed in a bottom of the package. The invention provides a package wherein the package comprises a hinge operatively connecting the lid to the container portion to enable the lid to pivot from an open to closed position wherein the lid is seated on the container portion. The invention provides a package, wherein the package is a cylindrical can. The invention provides a package wherein the least one microbicidal insert comprises a strip extending circumferentially around the interior of the cylindrical can. The invention provides a package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert further comprises an amount of water sufficient to reduce drying of the smokeless tobacco during storage. The invention provides a package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adhered to the package with a food-grade adhesive. The invention provides a package, wherein the microbicidal insert is contained in a polymer film or strip. The invention provides a package, wherein the microbicidal insert is formulated with at least one polymer as a disc, tablet, capsule, or wall of the package. The invention provides a package, wherein the package has a microbicidal insert in a sachet.

[0012] The invention provides a method of packaging smokeless tobacco, comprising the steps of: providing a package; providing at least one microbicidal insert; combining the package with the at least one microbicidal insert, wherein the microbicidal insert comprises at least one microbicidal agent, so that the microbicidal insert resides in an interior of the package, further wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adapted to release the microbicidal agent in the package; and adding smokeless tobacco to the package with the microbicidal insert. The invention provides a method, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a volatile microbicidal agent selected from the group consisting of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a method, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance; a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity- controlling agent; and an antioxidant, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a method, wherein the smokeless tobacco inside the package comprises a form selected from the group consisting of loose smokeless tobacco; snus; pre-portioned tobacco; and one or more pouches, each of which comprises tobacco. The invention provides a method, wherein the package comprises a bottom and a lid, and the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a first microbicidal insert disposed on a lid of the package and a second microbicidal insert disposed in a bottom of the package. The invention provides a method, wherein the packages comprises a hinge operatively connecting the lid to the container portion to enable the lid to pivot from an open to closed position wherein the lid is seated on the container portion. The invention provides a method, wherein the package is a cylindrical can. The invention provides a method, wherein the least one microbicidal insert comprises a strip extending circumferentially around the interior of the cylindrical can. The invention provides a method, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert further comprises an amount of water sufficient to reduce drying of the smokeless tobacco during storage. The invention provides a method, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adhered to the package with a food-grade adhesive. The invention provides a method, wherein the microbicidal insert is contained in a polymer film or strip. The invention provides a method, wherein the microbicidal insert is formulated with at least one polymer as a disc, tablet, capsule, or wall of the package. The invention provides a method, wherein the package has a microbicidal insert in a sachet.

[0013] The invention provides a package for plant material comprising: a pocket-sized package; plant material inside the package; and at least one microbicidal insert inside the package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises at least one microbicidal agent, and further wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adapted to release the microbicidal agent in the package. The invention provides a package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a volatile microbicidal agent selected from the group consisting of allyl- isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance; a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity-controlling agent; and an antioxidant, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a package, wherein the plant material inside the package comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, seasonings, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a package, wherein the packages comprises a bottom and a lid, and the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a first microbicidal insert disposed on a lid of the package and a second microbicidal insert disposed in a bottom of the package. The invention provides a package, wherein the packages comprises a hinge operatively connecting the lid to the container portion to enable the lid to pivot from an open to closed position wherein the lid is seated on the container portion. The invention provides a package, wherein the package is a cylindrical can. The invention provides a package, wherein the least one microbicidal insert comprises a strip extending circumferentially around the interior of the cylindrical can. The invention provides a package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert further comprises an amount of water sufficient to reduce drying of the plant material during storage. The invention provides a package, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adhered to the package with a food-grade adhesive. The invention provides a package, wherein the microbicidal insert is contained in a polymer film or strip. The invention provides a package, wherein the microbicidal insert is formulated with at least one polymer as a disc, tablet, capsule, or wall of the package. The invention provides a package, wherein the package has a microbicidal insert in a sachet.

[0014] The invention provides a method of packaging plant material, comprising the steps of: providing a package; providing at least one microbicidal insert; combining the package with the at least one microbicidal insert, wherein the microbicidal insert comprises at least one microbicidal agent, so that the microbicidal insert resides in an interior of the package, further wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adapted to release the microbicidal agent in the package; and adding plant material to the package with the microbicidal insert. The invention provides a method, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a volatile microbicidal agent selected from the group consisting of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a method, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance; a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity-controlling agent; and an antioxidant, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a method, wherein the plant material inside the package comprises a form selected from the group consisting of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, seasonings, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a method, wherein the packages comprises a bottom and a lid, and the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a first microbicidal insert disposed on a lid of the package and a second microbicidal insert disposed in a bottom of the package. The invention provides a method, wherein the packages comprises a hinge operatively connecting the lid to the container portion to enable the lid to pivot from an open to closed position wherein the lid is seated on the container portion. The invention provides a method, wherein the package is a cylindrical can. The invention provides a method, wherein the least one microbicidal insert comprises a strip extending circumferentially around the interior of the cylindrical can. The invention provides a method, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert further comprises an amount of water sufficient to reduce drying of the plant material during storage. The invention provides a method, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adhered to the package with a food-grade adhesive. The invention provides a method, wherein the microbicidal insert is contained in a polymer film or strip. The invention provides a method, wherein the microbicidal insert is formulated with at least one polymer as a disc, tablet, capsule, or wall of the package. The invention provides a method, wherein the package has a microbicidal insert in a sachet.

[0015] The invention provides a composition for enhancing the shelf life of smokeless tobacco, wherein said composition comprises at least one microbicidal agent, wherein the at least one microbicidal agent is selected from the group consisting of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof; and at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of a fragrance; a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity-controlling agent; and an antioxidant, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a composition, wherein the composition is in the form of a powder, a granule, a pellet, a gel, an aqueous suspension, a solution, a vapor, an emulsion, a polymer film or strip, a disc, a tablet, a capsule, or wall of a package, a sachet, a polymer, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a composition, wherein the composition further comprises a carrier.

[0016] The invention provides a composition for enhancing the shelf life of a plant material product, wherein said composition comprises at least one microbicidal agent, wherein the at least one microbicidal agent is selected from the group consisting of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof; and at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of a fragrance; a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity-controlling agent; and an antioxidant, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a composition, wherein the composition is in the form of a powder, a granule, a pellet, a gel, an aqueous suspension, a solution, a vapor, an emulsion, a polymer film or strip, a disc, a tablet, a capsule, or wall of a package, a sachet, a polymer, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a composition, wherein the composition further comprises a carrier.

[0017] The invention provides a method for reducing and controlling levels of microbes on plant material comprising: providing plant material; providing at least one microbicidal agent; and contacting with the plant material with an amount of the at least one microbicidal agent effective to reduce and/or control microbe populations on or in the plant material, wherein the levels of microbes on plant material are reduced and/or controlled. The invention provides a method, wherein the at least one microbicidal agent is a volatile microbicidal agent selected from the group consisting of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a method, wherein the microbes are selected from the group consisting of fungi, bacteria, mold, yeast, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a method wherein the plant material is tobacco. The invention provides a method wherein the plant material is smokeless tobacco. The invention provides a method wherein the plant material is selected from the group consisting of tobacco flowers, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem, tobacco stalk, tobacco roots, tobacco seeds, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a method wherein the plant material is selected from the group consisting of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, seasonings, and combinations thereof. The invention provides a method wherein the plant material is selected from the group consisting of flowers, leaves, stem, stalk, roots, seeds, and combinations thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:

[0019] Fig. 1 is an exemplary package comprising a container portion and a lid portion and showing alternative microbial inserts therein.

[0020] Fig. 2 is the exemplary package of Fig. 1 showing alternative microbial inserts formulated with at least one polymer as a disc, tablet, capsule or wall of the package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] As used herein, the term "smokeless tobacco" denotes loose or wrapped tobacco orally enjoyable tobacco products, including snus and moist snuff tobacco ("MST") in portioned and non-portioned forms.

[0022] As used herein "packaged smokeless tobacco" denotes smokeless tobacco that is contained in a package as would be handled by a consumer.

[0023] As used herein, the term "about" when used in conjunction with a stated numerical value or range has the meaning reasonably ascribed to it by a person skilled in the art, i.e. denoting somewhat more or somewhat less than the stated value or range, to within a range of ±10% of the stated value.

[0024] Smokeless tobacco such as smokeless tobacco may be flavored using liquid and/or dry flavors that are applied at a specific application ratio dependent upon tobacco weight. One process in which a liquid flavor is applied to the tobacco may be by pouring the flavor onto the tobacco or by spraying the flavor onto the tobacco using an atomization process.

[0025] Flavors applied to tobacco normally include one or more volatile flavor components, or may even by entirely or nearly entirely volatile flavors.

Smokeless Tobacco

[0026] Below are described preferred embodiments of smokeless tobacco (including moist smokeless tobacco and snus) used with a packaging insert as described herein.

[0027] The starting tobacco for preparing moist smokeless tobacco is preferably dark fire cured base tobacco as typically used for moist snuff in the United States, however other types of tobacco may be used. The tobacco is optionally subjected to one or more processing steps, and then subjected to a fermentation process. As examples of such pre-fermentation steps, a casing material may be applied to the tobacco, the tobacco may be aged, and one or more types of tobacco (e.g., different varieties, having different ages, from different fields, etc.) may be blended to ferment together, or a combination of such steps may be used. Such treatments may optionally be performed following fermentation.

[0028] After fermentation, the moist smokeless tobacco is preferably prepared into wrapped tobacco products, such as pouched smokeless tobacco. Other formats which may be combined with a microbicidal insert as described herein include loose cut tobacco, chewing tobacco, and pre-portioned tobacco.

[0029] Snus forms of smokeless tobacco generally do not begin with dark fire cured tobacco, but instead may use air-cured tobacco. Burley tobacco is preferably used to prepare snus. Snus is typically pasteurized.

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC)

[0030] Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is also referred to as allyl mustard oil and generally obtained by extraction from a raw material such as mustard and Japanese horseradish (Wasabia japonica Matusum) by steam distillation or by subjecting sodium thiocyanate and allyl chloride to distillation. As the isothiocyanate (AITC), there may be used various aliphatic and aromatic esters of isothiocyanic acid. Preferably, allyl isothiocyanate (CH2 =CHCH2 NCS) and alkyl isothiocyanate (RNCS, R: alkyl) are used. In the present invention, mustard oil may be used as the AITC form.

[0031] It is still further found that an odor originating from the AITC can be removed by admixing the AITC vapor with a fragrant ingredient, in bringing the smokeless tobacco and/orand/or plant material consumer products into contact with the AITC vapor. It is still further found that AITC can demonstrate excellent fumigating action.

[0032] Further, the agent for generating the AITC vapor means any agent in the form of a liquid, solid or gel, capable of generating, for example, the AITC vapor from its surface.

[0033] The liquid agent for generating the AITC vapor is a solution obtained by dissolving AITC in an oily liquid. The oily liquid, may include, for example, fats and oils such as olive oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, tsubaki oil, corn oil, rape oil, castor oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, cacao butter, palm oil, clove oil, coconut oil, beef tallow, fish oil, hardened oil, turtle oil and yolk oil; waxes such as liquid lanolin; hydrocarbon oils such as liquid paraffin, liquid polyisobutylene and squalane; higher fatty acid oils such as oleic acid, linolic acid and ricinoleic acid; higher alcohols such as octyl alcohol and oleil alcohol; polyalcohols such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and glycerin; and ester oils such as linolic acetate and hexyl laurate, and combination thereof. It is preferred that the oily liquid be preferably odorless or almost odorless.

[0034] In dissolving AITC in the oily liquid, various auxiliary components may be added or dissolved thereinto as desired. Examples of such auxiliary components include a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity-controlling agent; and an antioxidant. Further, a lower alcohol such as ethanol or propyl alcohol or a low boiling point solvent such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, ether, ethyl acetate or hexane may be added in a small amount as an auxiliary component to control the amount of AITC vaporized from the oily liquid.

[0035] When the AITC is employed for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/orand/or plant material consumer products, it may have an unpleasant odor even in a very low concentration, so that the unpleasant smell generating from the AITC may be suppressed, for example by the addition of a fragrance agent.

[0036] The material for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products according to the present invention can generate the AITC vapor and odor or fragrance and is so prepared as to allow a base material to contain the AITC and the fragrant ingredient.

[0037] As the fragrant ingredients, there may be used one which are in a liquid form or a solid form at ambient temperatures and the solid ones may be used in a form in which they are dissolved in a liquid. Specific examples of the fragrant ingredients may include a variety of essential oil and agents.

[0038] The base material may include, for example, paper, non-woven cloth, plastic films, adsorbing agents and so on.

[0039] The material useful for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products may be prepared by having the AITC and the fragrant ingredient contained in the base material. For instance, when the base material is such capable of absorbing a liquid or adsorbing gases, such as paper, non-woven cloth or adsorbing agents, the material for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products may be prepared by impregnating the base material with a liquid containing the AITC and the fragrant ingredient agent or by having mixed vapor generated from the liquid adsorbed thereon. When the base material is such having no capability of absorbing a liquid or adsorbing gases, such as plastic films, the material for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products may be prepared by first preparing a coating solution containing the AITC, the fragrant ingredient, a filler, and a binder resin and then coating the base material with such a coating solution. In this case, the binder resin may preferably be a curable resin which can be cured or set by exposure to heat or ultraviolet rays, although thermoplastic resins, rubbers, natural polymers and so on may be employed. As the fillers, there may be employed, for example, inorganic or organic fine powder such as finely divided silica or zeolite, calcium carbonate, pulp flour and so on.

[0040] A liquid containing the fragrant ingredient and the AITC to be used as a raw solution for the preparation of the material for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products may be prepared by dissolving the fragrant ingredient and the AITC in a substantially odorless organic liquid such as liquid paraffin, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerin or the like. In this case, the concentration of the AITC in the organic liquid may range usually from 0.01% to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 20% by weight. The raw solution may also be prepared by dissolving the AITC in essential oil constituting the fragrant ingredient or in the organic liquid. In this case, the concentration of the AITC in essential oil or in the organic liquid may range usually from 0.1% to 30% by weight, preferably from 1 % to 20% by weight.

[0041] The method for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products according to the present invention may be practiced by packing tobacco, together with the agent for reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products, with the packaging material such as a packing container, packing bag, packing box or the like. Such packed tobacco is subjected to germ-destroying treatment as a result of contact with vapor of the AITC generating from the material reducing and controlling levels of microbes, e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold, and/or yeast on plant material, for example, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products packed therein, thereby preventing generation of mold or fungi and transformation due to harmful microorganisms. In order to achieve the preferred germicidal effect by vapor of the AITC in the packed smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products, the concentration of the AITC vapor in the pack may be usually 10 ppm or higher, preferably in the range from approximately 50 ppm to 500 ppm, on the volume basis.

[0042] The microbicidal agent such as AITC may be supplied via a vaporizer or generator or from a pressurized cylinder to the ambient atmosphere present in the curing barn or other structure used to cure the tobacco, process the tobacco, or store the tobacco at any stage from field harvest to tobacco product manufacture. The tobacco may be cured by various methods including air-curing, flue- or heat-curing, and fire-curing. The tobacco may include burley, Virginia, Maryland, dark air-cured or dark fire-cured, flue-cured, or cigar tobaccos.

[0043] At the yellowing stage of leaf curing, ozone is generated in the curing barn by placing an AITC vaporizer or generator inside the structure, or AITC may be supplied via a pipe connected from the curing barn to an externally- located, AITC vaporizer or generator.

Packaging of Smokeless Tobacco and/or Plant Material Consumer Products

[0044] The smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products may be packaged in a pocket-sized package. Preferably, the package or container may be opened and closed by a consumer in order to access the smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products. The package may take one of various forms, such as a cylindrical can, box, tube, or the like.

[0045] According to one embodiment, smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products is packaged in a cylindrical can taking the form of a flat cylinder with a tight, friction- fitted lid. Optionally, such a can may be hermetically sealed. Optionally, the lid may be screwed on with a threaded fitting. The microbicidal insert may be in the bottom inside of the can or the inside of the lid or both.

[0046] The package may be made of plastic, metal, paperboard, or a combination of materials. If plastic is used, a preferred plastic is high-density polyethylene. The package is optionally slightly breathable (i.e., not hermetically sealed) rather than completely air-tight.

[0047] By way of example only, a package 20 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 wherein the package 20 comprises a lid 22 and a container portion 24 having a bottom 23. In an exemplary embodiment, the package may comprise a hinge 30 which operatively connects the lid 22 to the container portion to enable the lid to pivot from an open to closed position wherein the lid 22 is seated on the container portion 24. Optionally, according to any embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the package 20 may include liquid tight or moisture tight seals between the cap and container body, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,528,778 and 7,198,161, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Optionally, according to any embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the package 20 may be fabricated, e.g., by injection molding, according to techniques disclosed in U.S. RE37,676 or 4,783,056, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Optionally, according to any embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the package 20 may include a tamper evident mechanism, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,067, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Optionally, according to any embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the package 20 may be made from a thermoplastic material.

[0048] The package containing the smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products may contain at least one microbicidal insert. Preferably the microbicidal insert is adhered to an interior surface of the package using a food-grade adhesive, however the microbicidal insert may be loose in the package. The package may be specially adapted to hold the microbicidal insert, for example with one or more protruding ridges or flanges, or in a compartment at least partially in communication with a compartment holding the smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products. The microbicidal insert may optionally be an integral part of the package, for example formed into the package during the making of the package.

[0049] The microbicidal insert may further comprise an adsorbent made of a food-grade material able to hold the microbicidal agent and to slowly release it inside the package. The microbicidal insert may be comprised of highly adsorbent paper, however optionally it may be made of cotton, synthetic fibrous material, or a combination of materials. The patch may be a single layer in thickness, or comprise multiple layers which are preferably folded and/or laminated. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides the microbicidal insert which is a capsule, a tablet, or a sachet comprising any of the above embodiments of the composition.

[0050] Exemplary additives that can be included within a tobacco formulation include water, flavorants (e.g., sweeteners or tobacco-containing flavorants), binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, and additives derived from herbal or botanical sources.

[0051] Flavor may be added to the microbicidal insert before or after it is combined with the package. Flavors that may be used as described herein include, but are not limited to, wintergreen, mint, menthol, and other flavors used with smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products. The flavor is preferably applied to the microbicidal insert in the form of a liquid. Alternately, the flavor may be provided in the form of a film on the microbicidal insert, which preferably releases flavor when in a moist environment, such as a closed package of smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products. The microbicidal insert preferably comprises one or more volatile flavors.

[0052] The microbicidal insert may have water added to it so that it serves to reduce drying of the smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products during storage by providing a stable moisture environment.

[0053] The microbicidal insert optionally includes a film encapsulating a flavor and adapted to release the flavor in a moist environment. Exemplary films may comprise alginate, pectin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and the like, and may optionally be cross-linked.

[0054] When the package is a cylindrical metal can, the microbicidal insert is preferably attached to an upper and/or lower section of the metal can, for example a lid and/or bottom of the can. A microbicidal insert in the lid of the can may desirably provide aroma to the consumer immediately upon the opening of the package, while a patch at the bottom of the package may provide constant flavor delivery to the smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products. A microbicidal insert in the lid may provide a desirable visual indication to a consumer of the particular flavor it carries. The microbicidal insert may optionally be colored in order to indicate the particular flavor provided, with differently colored microbicidal inserts corresponding to different flavors of smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products.

[0055] A package for the smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products or food product may contain a combination of microbicidal insert configurations described herein. For example, a cylindrical can of smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products may contain a microbicidal insert 26A (Fig. 1) on an inside surface of the lid as well as a microbicidal insert 26B (Fig. 1) extending circumferentially along an inside vertical wall, such as that of an inner ring insert, with or without a third patch 26C (Fig. 1) on an inside surface of the bottom 23 of the package. Optionally, the package 20 may comprise a hinge 30 (Fig. 1). Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 2, the microbial insert may be formulated with at least one polymer as a disc 104, tablet 100 or capsule 102 or be a part of the wall 24 of the package.

[0056] A microbicidal agent delivery system as described herein can continue to enhance and stabilize the flavor profile of smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products in a container after it is opened by the consumer. In particular, it can result in increased duration, and flavor shelf life as compared to packaged smokeless tobacco and/or plant material consumer products without a microbicidal agent delivery system such as an insert.

[0057] The methods of the present invention provide convenient and cost effective methods of reducing both the numbers and/or activity of bacterial and/or fungal populations formed during the tobacco curing process. The treatment is effective for killing or disrupting the biological activity of the microbes present on the tobacco leaves, while having minimal chemical reactivity with the tobacco leaf itself.

Tobacco

[0058] By "tobacco" is meant any part of any member of the genus Nicotiana, e.g., leaves, flowers, roots, and stems. The tobacco may be whole, shredded, cut, cured, aged, fermented, or otherwise processed. Tobacco may also be in the form of finished products, including but not limited to smokeless tobacco, e.g. snuff (moist or dry), chewing tobacco, sticks, straws, gels, beads, or tabs, smoking tobacco products, e.g., cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, or pipe tobacco, and vapor releasing products that do not produce smoke or utilize combustion. The term also includes an extract of tobacco including two or more tobacco organoleptic components.

[0059] Exemplary Nicotiana species include N. tabacum, N. rustica, N. alata, N. arentsii, N. excelsior, N. forgetiana, N. glauca, N. glutinosa, N. gossei, N. kawakamii, N. knightiana, N. langsdorffi, N. otophora, N. setchelli, N. sylvestris, N. tomentosa, N. tomentosiformis, N. undulata, N. x sanderae, N. africana, N. amplexicaulis, N. benavidesii, N. bonariensis, N. debneyi, N. longiflora, N. maritina, N. megalosiphon, N. occidentalis, N. paniculata, N. plumbaginifolia, N. raimondii, N. rosulata, N. simulans, N. stocktonii, N. suaveolens, N. umbratica, N. velutina, N. wigandioides, N. acaulis, N. acuminata, N. attenuata, N. benthamiana, N. cavicola, N. clevelandii, N. cordifolia, N. corymbosa, N. fragrans, N. goodspeedii, N. linearis, N. miersii, N. nudicaulis, N. obtusifolia, N. occidentalis subsp. Hersperis, N. pauciflora, N. petunioides, N. quadrivalvis, N. repanda, N. rotundifolia, N. solanifolia and N. spegazzinii.

[0060] Nicotiana species can be derived using genetic modification or crossbreeding techniques (e.g., tobacco plants can be genetically engineered or crossbred to increase or decrease production of components, characteristics or attributes).

[0061] Tobacco leaf or leaves, or uncured tobacco leaf or leaves, as used herein, is meant to include flue-cured, air-cured and fire-cured tobacco leaves which are green or partially cured. Thus, tobacco leaf or leaves may indicate the individual primed leaves of tobacco or the stalk-cut leaves as attached to the stalk of the burley, Maryland (air-cured) dark, or cigar, flue-cured, or oriental tobacco plant or as individual leaves which have been primed from the stalk of flue- cured, burley, Maryland, Virginia, dark, cigar or oriental tobacco.

Plant Material Consumer Products

[0062] The disclosed processes and products may also be used with other plant material consumer products, to preserve and/or enhance flavor and shelf life stability. The invention provides a method for preserving and/or enhancing the taste profile of plant material consumer products and improving the shelf life of plant material consumer products by applying a microbicidal composition. The invention provides containers which will preserve and/or enhance the taste profile of plant material consumer products and improve the shelf life of plant material consumer products by containing a microbicidal composition.

[0063] The invention provides containers which will preserve and/or enhance the taste profile of any suitable type and form of plant material consumer product, for example, dried fruit, such as, but not limited to apples, cranberries, mangos, bananas, and raisins. The dried fruit may be sweetened, or seasoned with spices such as cinnamon. Other vegetables to be used (such as sun- dried tomatoes, dehydrated tomatoes, sweet peppers, mushrooms, and onions, for example) may be supplemented with spices which complement the particular vegetable or combination of vegetables.

[0064] In practicing the invention, any suitable type of nut, in any suitable form, may be used according to the invention. Suitable types and forms of nuts may be raw, blanched, oil roasted, or dry roasted, and may include, but are not limited to: pecans, dry roasted peanuts, whole blanched almonds, blanched almond slivers, walnuts, hot and spicy peanuts, cashews, honey roasted peanuts, smoked almonds, or other coated nuts. In practicing the invention, it will be further understood that the term "nut" is to be liberally construed to include any suitable form of a vegetable product, such as corn nuts. Alternatively, it will be understood that products such as corn nuts are also considered to fall within the categorization of vegetables, in the context of the manner in which the term "vegetable" is used in practicing the invention. In addition, seeds such as for example sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and pine nuts, may also be utilized in the practice of the invention.

[0065] Among the main crops of plants which are used in plant consumer products are sugar cane, coffee, soybeans, cotton, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, banana, rice, wheat, avocado, pineapple, squash, cacao, coconut, oats, onion, lettuce, beet, carrot, cassava, beans, sunflower, pepper, turnip, apple, strawberry, okra, radish and onion. With regard to fruit: citrus, grape, guava, papaya, fig, peach, plum and nespeira are of particular relevance.

[0066] Particular plant consumer products to use in the methods of the invention may include, but are not limited to: cereal grain crops such as wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, rice, maize, sorghum and millet; vine crops such as table and wine grapes; field crops such as oilseed rape (canola), sunflower; sugar beets, sugar cane, soybean, peanuts (groundnut), tobacco, alfafa, clover, lespedeza, trefoil and vetch; pome fruits such as apple, pear, crabapple, loquat, mayhaw and quince; stone fruits such as peaches, cherries, plums, apricots, nectarines and almonds; citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, mandarin (tangerines) and kumquat; root and tuber vegetables and field crops (and their foliage) such as artichoke, garden and sugar beet, carrot, cassava, ginger, ginseng, horseradish, parsnip, potato, radish, rutabaga, sweet potato, turnip and yam; bulb vegetables such as garlic, leek, onion and shallot; leafy vegetables such as arugula (roquette), celery, celery, cress, endive (escarole), fennel, head and leaf lettuce, parsley, radicchio (red chicory), rhubarb, spinach and Swiss chard; brassica (cole) leafy vegetables such as broccoli, broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok Choy, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard and greens; legume vegetables (succulent or dried) such as lupin, bean (Phaseolus spp.) (including field bean, kidney bean, lima bean, navy bean, pinto bean, runner bean, snap bean, tepary bean and wax bean), bean (Vigna spp.) (including adzuki bean, asparagus bean, blackeyed pea, catjang, Chinese longbean, cowpea, crowder pea, moth bean, mung bean, rice bean, southern pea, urd bean and yardlong bean), broad bean (fava), chickpea (garbanzo), guar, jackbean, lablab bean, lentil and pea (Pisum spp.) (including dwarf pea, edible-podded pea, English pea, field pea, garden pea, green pea, snowpea, sugar snap pea, pigeon pea and soybean); fruiting vegetables such as eggplant, groundcherry (Physalis spp.), pepino and pepper (including bell pepper, chili pepper, cooking pepper, pimento, sweet pepper; tomatillo and tomato); cucurbit vegetables such as Chayote (fruit), Chinese waxgourd (Chinese preserving melon), citron melon, cucumber, gherkin, edible gourd (including hyotan, cucuzza, hechima, and Chinese okra), Momordica spp. (including balsam apple, balsam pear, bittermelon and Chinese cucumber), muskmelon (including cantaloupe and pumpkin), summer and winter squash (including butternut squash, calabaza, hubbard squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash) and watermelon; berries such as blackberry (including bingleberry, boysenberry, dewberry, lowberry, marionberry, olallieberry and youngberry), blueberry, cranberry, currant, elderberry, gooseberry, huckleberry, loganberry, raspberry and strawberry; tree nuts such as almond, beech nut, Brazil nut, butternut, cashew, chestnut, chinquapin, filbert (hazelnut), hickory nut, macadamia nut, pecan and walnut; tropical fruits and other crops such as bananas, plantains, mangos, coconuts, papaya, guava, avocado, lichee, agave, coffee, cacao, sugar cane, oil palm, sesame, rubber and spices; fiber crops such as cotton, flax and hemp.

[0067] While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A package for smokeless tobacco comprising:

a pocket-sized package;

smokeless tobacco inside the package; and

at least one microbicidal insert inside the package,

wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises at least one microbicidal agent, and further wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adapted to release the microbicidal agent in the package.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a volatile microbicidal agent selected from the group consisting of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof.

3. The package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance; a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity-controlling agent; and an antioxidant, and combinations thereof.

4. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the smokeless tobacco inside the package comprises a form selected from the group consisting of loose smokeless tobacco; snus; pre- portioned tobacco; and one or more pouches, each of which comprises tobacco.

5. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the package comprises a bottom and a lid, and the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a first microbicidal insert disposed on a lid of the package and a second microbicidal insert disposed in a bottom of the package.

6. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the package comprises a hinge operatively connecting the lid to the container portion to enable the lid to pivot from an open to closed position wherein the lid is seated on the container portion.

7. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the package is a cylindrical can.

8. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the least one microbicidal insert comprises a strip extending circumferentially around the interior of the cylindrical can.

9. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert further comprises an amount of water sufficient to reduce drying of the smokeless tobacco during storage.

10. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adhered to the package with a food-grade adhesive.

11. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the microbicidal insert is contained in a polymer film or strip.

12. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the microbicidal insert is formulated with at least one polymer as a disc, tablet, capsule, or wall of the package.

13. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the package has a microbicidal insert in a sachet.

14. A method of packaging smokeless tobacco, comprising the steps of:

providing a package;

providing at least one microbicidal insert;

combining the package with the at least one microbicidal insert, wherein the microbicidal insert comprises at least one microbicidal agent, so that the microbicidal insert resides in an interior of the package, further wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adapted to release the microbicidal agent in the package; and

adding smokeless tobacco to the package with the microbicidal insert.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a volatile microbicidal agent selected from the group consisting of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert comprises at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance; a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity-controlling agent; and an antioxidant, and combinations thereof.

17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the smokeless tobacco inside the package comprises a form selected from the group consisting of loose smokeless tobacco; snus; pre- portioned tobacco; and one or more pouches, each of which comprises tobacco.

18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the packages comprises a bottom and a lid, and the at least one microbicidal insert comprises a first microbicidal insert disposed on a lid of the package and a second microbicidal insert disposed in a bottom of the package.

19. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the package comprises a hinge operatively connecting the lid to the container portion to enable the lid to pivot from an open to closed position wherein the lid is seated on the container portion.

20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the package is a cylindrical can.

21. The method of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the least one microbicidal insert comprises a strip extending circumferentially around the interior of the cylindrical can.

22. The method of any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert further comprises an amount of water sufficient to reduce drying of the smokeless tobacco during storage.

23. The method of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the at least one microbicidal insert is adhered to the package with a food-grade adhesive.

24. The method of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the microbicidal insert is contained in a polymer film or strip.

25. The method of any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the microbicidal insert is formulated with at least one polymer as a disc, tablet, capsule, or wall of the package.

26. The method of any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the package has a microbicidal insert in a sachet.

27. A composition for enhancing the shelf life of smokeless tobacco, wherein said composition comprises

at least one microbicidal agent, wherein the at least one microbicidal agent is selected from the group consisting of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), allyl mustard oil, and combinations thereof; and at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of a fragrance; a surfactant; a high molecular weight substance; a higher alcohol, a higher fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a fat oil which are solids at ambient temperature; a colorant; viscosity-controlling agent; and an antioxidant, and combinations thereof.

28. A composition according to claim 27, wherein the composition is in the form of a powder, a granule, a pellet, a gel, an aqueous suspension, a solution, a vapor, an emulsion, a polymer film or strip, a disc, a tablet, a capsule, or wall of a package, a sachet, a polymer, and combinations thereof.

29. A composition according to any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the composition further comprises a carrier.