A food preservative including zinc oxide nanoparticles derived from a pomegranate peel extract and a nanocomposite obtained from at least one of a beetroot extract and a red cabbage extract. The food preservative is characterized by a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) pattern including a broad peak at 3500 cm.sup.1 to 3000 cm.sup.1 and a series of three peaks at 900 cm.sup.1 to 1200 cm.sup.1.

A method of controlling insects in stored food comprising the step of contacting said insects with an effective amount of synthetic amorphous silica, such as food grade synthetic amorphous silica in the form of a dust based formulation. The invention also relates to solid insecticide formulations comprising an effective amount of synthetic amorphous silica.

A method of controlling insects in stored food comprising the step of contacting said insects with an effective amount of synthetic amorphous silica, such as food grade synthetic amorphous silica in the form of a dust based formulation. The invention also relates to solid insecticide formulations comprising an effective amount of synthetic amorphous silica.

A particulate food preservative composition is disclosed, which comprises at least 60 wt. % of preservation granules having a diameter in the range of 150-1800 um, wherein the preservation granules are compacted agglomerates of: (a) particles containing at least 90 wt. % of the chloride salt and (b) particles containing at least 70 wt. % of the alkali metal salt of organic acid, said preservation granules comprising (i) at least 20 wt. % of chloride salt selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and combinations thereof; and (ii) at least 20 wt. % of an alkali metal salt of an organic acid selected from acetic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid and combinations thereof; the combination of the chloride salt and the alkali metal salt of an organic acid constituting at least 80 wt. % of the dry matter that is contained in the preservation granules. Methods of making the compositions is also disclosed.

A particulate food preservative composition is disclosed, which comprises at least 60 wt. % of preservation granules having a diameter in the range of 150-1800 um, wherein the preservation granules are compacted agglomerates of: (a) particles containing at least 90 wt. % of the chloride salt and (b) particles containing at least 70 wt. % of the alkali metal salt of organic acid, said preservation granules comprising (i) at least 20 wt. % of chloride salt selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and combinations thereof; and (ii) at least 20 wt. % of an alkali metal salt of an organic acid selected from acetic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid and combinations thereof; the combination of the chloride salt and the alkali metal salt of an organic acid constituting at least 80 wt. % of the dry matter that is contained in the preservation granules. Methods of making the compositions is also disclosed.

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 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.

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.

Methods, kits, and treatment compositions for treating agricultural products to reduce or preventing wildfire smoke taint or other types of taint, including treated agricultural products, are provided. One or more treatment compositions effective in reducing or preventing wildfire smoke taint are preferably applied to agricultural products such as, for example, wine grapes prior to and/or during wildfire smoke exposure.