The present disclosure relates to rheology modified, low foaming aqueous antimicrobial compositions. The compositions are phase stable under acidic conditions, and do not need to be rinsed from the surface to which they are applied. The present disclosure further relates to methods of use thereof.

A food preparation assembly for use in cleaning food products generally includes a tank for holding washing fluid for use in cleaning food products positioned within the tank, and a pump in fluidic communication with the tank to provide movement of the washing fluid within the tank for use in cleaning the food products when positioned within the tank. A processing module is configured to receive settings from a user for cleaning the food products, and to monitor and adjust, as necessary, parameters of the washing fluid based on the user input settings. The processing module is also configured to report and/or store measured values of the parameters of the washing fluid in addition to select user defined input information (e.g., user defined wash settings, etc.). Labels may also be generated indicative of completion of cleaning of the food products by the food preparation assembly.

A method for oxidation of substrates uses peracid salt compositions prepared from acyl donor, hydrogen peroxide and alkali metal hydroxide under controlled conditions to provide nonequilibrium compositions at high product yield from input feedstocks, and which are surprisingly stable prior to use. Substrates to be oxidized are contacted with a nonequilibrium treatment composition comprising such a nonequilibrium composition or a nonequilibrium adjusted composition prepared by adding one or more additives to the nonequilibrium composition prior to contacting the substrate.

A method for oxidation of substrates uses peracid salt compositions prepared from acyl donor, hydrogen peroxide and alkali metal hydroxide under controlled conditions to provide nonequilibrium compositions at high product yield from input feedstocks, and which are surprisingly stable prior to use. Substrates to be oxidized are contacted with a nonequilibrium treatment composition comprising such a nonequilibrium composition or a nonequilibrium adjusted composition prepared by adding one or more additives to the nonequilibrium composition prior to contacting the substrate, wherein the substrates are associated with food processing.

Methods and apparatus for washing food products are provided. An example controller for controlling washing of a food product is generally configured to execute executable instructions to cause the controller to control generation of a silver ion solution in a wash stage, the generation including mixing components of the silver ion solution in the wash stage, and to control application of the silver ion solution to the food product in the wash stage. An example method of washing a food product generally includes generating a silver ion solution in a wash stage, the generating including mixing components of the silver ion solution in the wash stage, and applying the silver ion solution to the food product in the wash stage.

Methods and apparatus for washing food products (e.g., round produce) are provided. An example apparatus for washing at least one item of round produce generally includes: an applicator configured to apply a first wash treatment solution to an entire exterior surface of the at least one item of round produce; and an opaque shroud configured to prevent light from impinging on the at least one item of round produce and the first wash treatment solution. An example method of washing at least one item of round produce generally includes applying a first wash treatment solution to an entire exterior surface of the item of round produce in a first wash stage while preventing light from impinging on the item of round produce and the first wash treatment solution in the first wash stage.

The disclosure relates to produce wash products including a dispenser with a liquid retaining container and a foam dispenser head and a liquid produce wash present in the liquid retaining container, wherein the foam dispenser head is fluidly connected to the liquid produce wash, and wherein the liquid produce wash includes a natural oil or a component thereof, a fatty acid, an antioxidant, a surfactant, an alkali metal hydroxide, glycerin, water, and, optionally, a preservative. In some aspects, the foam dispenser head includes an air chamber and a liquid chamber fluidly connected to the liquid retaining container; when the foam dispenser head is activated by pumping or another means, air and the liquid produce wash are dispensed simultaneously as a foam. Also disclosed are methods of dispensing a produce wash, methods of using the disclosed produce washes to wash a piece of firm produce, and liquid produce washes.