Provided are microcapsules containing a solid core including at least one essential oil mixed with a porous solid material, where this solid core is coated by at least one layer of a polyurea film and/or a polyurethane film or an amphipathic shell composed of a multivalent salt form of at least one alkanoic acid. Further provided are compositions including these microcapsules, and uses thereof in a variety of agricultural and environmental applications.

A food product is within an aqueous solution. The solution includes: at least one edible acid; and at least one osmotic agent, wherein after the solution reaches equilibrium with the food product, the pH of the solution is between about 1 and 5.

The present invention is directed to a process for making a concentrated vinegar product by simple evaporation, which concentrated vinegar product can also be used as intermediate in the production of products that can be listed on food labels as vinegar.

Citrus-based antimicrobial compositions having broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, molds and fungi are described. The citrus-based antimicrobial compositions are suitable for use in food products, personal care products, oral products, or as surface/topical antimicrobials. The antimicrobial compositions generally comprise citrus extract as the principal antimicrobial ingredient, as well as a relatively low concentration of lauric arginate as an additive. In some embodiments, advantageous ingredient ratios of the citrus extracts to lauric arginate are provided. In some embodiments, formulations comprising the citrus-based antimicrobial compositions and taste-enhancing agents are provided, which mask the unpleasant taste that may be associated with the citrus extract, allowing for its use in food products. Methods of preparing antimicrobial citrus extracts and antimicrobial compositions, uses thereof, and products comprising same are also described.

A water bladder system. An air valve, which may be a check valve, is configured to be coupled with the flexible container and selectively allow air to enter an interior of the flexible container. A release mechanism coupled with the flexible container selectively allows the fluid to exit the interior of the flexible container. An open-celled foam is included within the interior of the flexible container and is coated with a quaternary organosilane coating produced from a quaternary ammonium organosilane reagent.

A preservative composition includes a source of ascorbate or erythorbate ions, or a mixture thereof, a source of calcium ions and one or more food grade sequestrants, wherein the molar ratio of ascorbate or erythorbate ions, or a mixture thereof, to calcium ions is of from 0.5:1 to 1.4:1.

Methods of generating performic acid by contacting aqueous oxidizing agent and aqueous formic acid source in liquid phase are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the in situ production of the performic acid chemistries is further disclosed. In particular, a continuous flow reactor is provided to generate performic acid at variable rates. Methods of employing the oxidizing biocide for various disinfection applications are also disclosed.

A system and method for reducing or preventing bacterial contamination in food includes application of a bacteriophage treatment to any type of food product at any stage of processing the food product. The bacteriophage treatment may also be applied to non-food surfaces and water systems, which may be susceptible to bacterial contamination and subsequent spread of bacteria. The bacteriophage treatment comprises at least one bacteriophage in a concentration sufficient to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination from pathogenic bacteria and/or spoilage bacteria. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage is able to reduce or eliminate bacteria introduced to a food product after the bacteriophage treatment was applied to the food product. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage treatment includes a buffering agent to maintain the bacteriophage at a pH level that sustains the bacteriophage. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage treatment includes a surfactant and/or a thickener to aid in applying the bacteriophage. Additional adjuvants and enhancers may be used in some embodiments to stabilize the bacteriophage or enhance its performance as an antibacterial agent.

In each of its various embodiments, the present invention discloses microemulsions that carry antioxidants.

Methods of generating performic acid by contacting aqueous oxidizing agent and aqueous formic acid source in liquid phase are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the in situ production of the performic acid chemistries is further disclosed. In particular, a continuous flow reactor is provided to generate performic acid at variable rates. Methods of employing the oxidizing biocide for various disinfection applications are also disclosed.