COMPOSITION FOR MODULATING MICROBIAL GROWTH

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition for modulating microbial growth which comprises at least one organic acid and/or at least one salt thereof; and hypophosphorous acid and/or at least one salt thereof as well as to an additive, a method for modulating microbial growth, a composition for use as medicament and a use of the composition.

Claims

1. Composition for modulating microbial growth, characterized in that the composition comprises at least one organic acid and/or at least one salt thereof; and hypophosphorous acid and/or at least one salt thereof.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the hypophosphorous acid and/or the at least one salt thereof is/are selected from the group consisting of sodium hypophosphite, magnesium hypophosphite, manganese hypophosphite, potassium hypophosphite, aluminum hypophosphite, calcium hypophosphite, ammonium hypophosphite, ferric hypophosphite, preferably sodium hypophosphite, magnesium hypophosphite, manganese hypophosphite or potassium hypophosphite, more preferably sodium hypophosphite.

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one organic acid and/or the at least one salt thereof is/are selected from the group consisting of short monocarboxylic acids having between 1 and 6 carbon atom(s), saturated dicarboxylic acids, unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, unsaturated carboxylic acids, saturated carboxylic acids, hydroxycarboxylic acids, aromatic carboxylic acids, and keto carboxylic acids, and/or at least one salt thereof.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the at least one organic acid and/or the at least one salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, 2-metylbutyric acid, 2-ethylbutyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, octanoic (caprylic) acid, decanoic (capric) acid, dodecanoic (lauric) acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, pyruvic acid, gluconic acid, suberic acid, malonic acid, tannic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, perillic acid, gallic acid, or at least one salt thereof (e.g. ammonium formate, potassium diformate, sodium diacetate, calcium acetate, ammonium propionate, sodium propionate, calcium propionate, calcium lactate, potassium sorbate, sodium formate, calcium formate, sodium butyrate, sodium benzoate, sodium sorbate, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, calcium citrate); preferably from formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, 2-metylbutyric acid, 2-ethylbutyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, octanoic (caprylic) acid, decanoic (capric) acid, dodecanoic (lauric) acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, pyruvic acid, or at least one salt thereof; more preferably from acetic acid, benzoic acid, butyric acid, citric acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, octanoic acid, propionic acid, pyruvic acid, sorbic acid, succinic acid, valeric acid, or at least one salt thereof.

5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of the at least one organic acid and/or the at least one salt thereof to the hypophosphorous acid and/or at least one salt thereof is from 0.1:200 to 500:0.1, preferably from 0.16:100 to 400:0.2 (e.g. from 0.31:100 to 100:0.2).

6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least three organic acids, especially formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and a salt of hypophosphorous acid selected from the group consisting of sodium hypophosphite, manganese hypophosphite, magnesium hypophosphite and potassium hypophosphite, preferably sodium hypophosphite or manganese hypophosphite, more preferably sodium hypophosphite.

7. The composition according to claim 6, wherein the composition further comprises benzoic acid.

8. Additive, such as foodstuff additive; fodder additive; feed additive; silage additive, comprising a composition for modulating microbial growth according to claim 1.

9. Method for modulating microbial growth, the method comprising the steps of a) providing a composition for modulating microbial growth according to claim 1; b) applying a) to a foodstuff; fodder; feed; foodstuff additive; fodder additive; feed additive; silage additive; wet distillers grain; dried distillers grain with solubles; nutritional supplement; prebiotic; probiotic; intermediate/s thereof; and/or mixture/s thereof.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the microbial growth is the growth of at least one microbe selected from the genera of Buttiauxella, Citrobacter, Cronobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Edwardsiella, Klebsiella, Phytobacter, Plesiomonas, Pseudoescherichia, Raoultella, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Yersinia, Vibrio, Aeromonas, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Pasteurella, Brachyspira, Campylobacter, Listeria, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Brucella, Enterococcus, Moritella, Tenacibaculum, preferably from Enterobacter, Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Vibrio, Aeromonas, Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Brachyspira, Streptococcus, more preferably from Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium, most preferably the microbial growth is the growth of at least one microbe selected from the species of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella sonnei, Clostridium perfringens.

11. A composition for use as a medicament and/or in treatment, amelioration, prophylaxis and/or diagnostics of a disease, such as in veterinary medicine, characterized in that the composition comprises hypophosphorous acid and/or at least one salt thereof, and optionally at least one organic acid and/or at least one salt thereof.

12. A composition for use in the treatment, amelioration and/or prophylaxis of dysbiosis, characterized in that the composition comprises hypophosphorous acid and/or at least one salt thereof, and optionally at least one organic acid and/or at least one salt thereof.

13. The composition for use in the treatment, amelioration and/or prophylaxis of dysbiosis according to claim 12, wherein the dysbiosis is caused by atypical concentration of at least one microorganism selected from the genera of Buttiauxella, Citrobacter, Cronobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Edwardsiella, Klebsiella, Phytobacter, Plesiomonas, Pseudoescherichia, Raoultella, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Yersinia, Vibrio, Aeromonas, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Pasteurella, Brachyspira, Campylobacter, Listeria, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Brucella, Enterococcus, Moritella, Tenacibaculum, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Bacillus, Pediococcus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Propionibacterium, Pseudomonas, Citrobacter, preferably from Enterobacter, Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Vibrio, Aeromonas, Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Brachyspira, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Pediococcus, Enterococcus, more preferably from Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium, Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, most preferably the at least one microorganism is selected from the species of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella sonnei, Clostridium perfringens, Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis.

14. A composition for use in the treatment, amelioration and/or prophylaxis of post-weaning diarrhea, characterized in that the composition comprises hypophosphorous acid and/or at least one salt thereof, and optionally at least one organic acid and/or at least one salt thereof.

15. Use of hypophosphorous acid and/or at least one salt thereof; and/or a composition according to claim 1 for modulating microbial growth.

16. The use according to claim 15, wherein the microbial growth of at least one microbe selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella sonnei and Clostridium perfringens is reduced.

Description

EXAMPLES

[0087] The present invention as disclosed herein is not limited to specific embodiments, figures, methodology, examples, protocols etc. described herein but solely defined by the claims. Examples disclosed in the following may only be considered to refer to exemplary embodiments of the underlying invention as defined in the claims.

Example 1: Modulation of Microbial Growth

[0088] To identify compositions capable of modulating microbial growth, compositions comprising either organic acid(s) and/or salt(s) thereof alone; or comprising hypophosphoric acid(s) and/or salt(s) thereof alone; or comprising combinations of i) organic acid(s) and/or salt(s) thereof with ii) hypophosphoric acid(s) and/or salt(s) thereof were tested in growth inhibition tests. A first goal of the performed experiments was to identify compositions capable of reducing microbial growth of typical potential pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica enterica, Shigella sonnei or Clostridium perfringens. Based thereon, it was another goal to identify compositions that not only reduce the growth of pathogenic microbes but which compositions at the same time do not affect the growth of desirable, helpful (i.e. typical probiotic) microbes, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterococcus faecium or Bacillus subtilis to the same extent as of the typical potential patogens.

[0089] Notably, it was found that compositions comprising organic acid(s) and/or salt(s) thereof and hypophosphorous acid(s) and/or salt(s) thereof were capable of inhibiting the growth of typical pathogenic microorganisms while inhibiting the growth of typical probiotic microorganisms to a lesser extent. For instance, while growth of E. coli was inhibited by more than 95% when treated with a composition comprising 25 mM acetic acid and any one of the concentrations 0.2, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mM of sodium hypophosphite, growth of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri F 275 (DSMZ 20016)) was not affected (i.e. less than 1% inhibition). Also when either formic acid, or propionic acid, or a combination of formic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid, or a combination of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and benzoic acid was used at combined concentration of 25 mM of acid and either 0.2, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mM of sodium hypophosphite, growth of probiotic bacteria (such as Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterococcus faecium or Bacillus subtilis) was less affected than growth of typical pathogens. For instance, growth of Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium D, serotype 11 (DSMZ 20477)) was only inhibited at most by approximately 2.5% when treated with 25 mM of acetic acid in combination with either 0.2, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mM of sodium hypophosphite. Similarly, growth of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis strain Marburg (DSMZ 10)) was found to be inhibited at most by approximately 8.5% when treated with 12.5 mM formic acid in combination with either 0.2, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mM of sodium hypophosphite.

[0090] As an example, the growth of E. coli in a typical growth medium (Mueller-Hinton broth) is shown in FIG. 1 when treated with a composition comprising only organic acid, compared to treatment with a composition comprising only hypophosphite salt, compared to treatment with a composition according to the invention (i.e. comprising both, organic acid(s) as well as hypophosphite salt(s), compared to a growth control (i.e. without treatment with a composition comprising either organic salt(s) and/or hypophosphite(s)). In FIG. 1, the solid grey line shows the growth of the E. coli growth control. The dashed black line shows the growth of E. coli when treated with a composition comprising 12.5 mM formic acid. The dotted black line shows the growth of E. coli when treated with a composition comprising 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite. The solid black line shows the growth of E. coli when treated with a composition comprising both, 12.5 mM formic acid and 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite. Notably, the microbial growth was found to by synergistically inhibited upon treatment with a combination composition comprising organic acid as well as hypophosphite already after 4 h of incubation at the latest. Exemplary amounts of inhibition of microbial growth throughout the incubation are shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 The amount of inhibition of E. coli growth upon treatment with either of three compositions (comprising either organic acid, or hypophosphite salt, or both) is shown, compared to the microbial growth without such treatment. % inhibition % inhibition incubation % inhibition hypophosphite organic acid + hypophosphite time organic acid salt salt 4 h 45.5 40.5 68.9 5 h 27.5 32.7 66.9 7.5 h 27.3 22.0 60.2 10 h 19.4 13.5 54.9 15 h 15.6 9.6 48.1 20 h 16.6 10.5 46.0

[0091] In contrast to the synergistic inhibition of the microbial growth of a potential pathogen, i.e. E. coli, as shown above, the growth of probiotic bacteria was considerably less affected by treatment with a combination composition comprising both, organic acid as well as hypophosphite salt. Exemplarily, amounts of inhibition of the growth of Lactobacillus reuteri upon treatment with either a composition comprising 12.5 mM formic acid, or with a composition comprising 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite, or with a composition comprising both 12.5 mM formic acid and 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite, compared to growth without such treatment are shown in Table 2 below. Notably, treatment with either hypophosphite alone or in combination with organic acid did not affect the growth of the probiotic. Thus, no synergistic effects could be determined with regard to the inhibition of the microbial growth of probiotic bacteria upon treatment with a combination composition comprising organic acid(s) and hypophosphite.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 The amount of inhibition of L. reuteri growth upon treatment with either of three compositions (comprising either organic acid, or hypophosphite salt, or both) is shown, compared to the microbial growth without such treatment. % inhibition % inhibition % inhibition time of organic hypophosphite organic acid + hypophosphite incubation acid salt salt 4 h 23.4 0.6 22.9 5 h 38.2 0.5 37.3 6 h 39.8 0.1 39.7 7 h 39.7 0.3 39.6 10 h 39.5 2.0 38.8

[0092] In a systematic approach, compositions comprising either 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 or 100 mM of either acetic acid; butyric acid; citric acid; formic acid; lactic acid; octanoic acid; propionic acid; pyruvic acid; succinic acid; or valeric acid; or comprising acid combinations of formic acid+acetic acid+propionic acid (ratio of 2:1:0.5 of formic acid: acetic acid: propionic acid; e.g. 57 mM formic acid+29 mM acetic acid+14 mM propionic acid for a target concentration of 100 mM acid); or formic acid+acetic acid+propionic acid+benzoic acid (ratio of 2:1: 0.5:1.18 of formic acid: acetic acid: propionic acid: benzoic acid; e.g. 34 mM formic acid+17 mM acetic acid+9 mM propionic acid+20 mM benzoic acid for a target concentration of 80 mM acid), wherein the total acid concentration in these acid combinations added up to either concentration of 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 or 100 mM (in case of the combination formic acid+acetic acid+propionic acid) or to either concentration of 1,25, 2,5, 5, 10, 20, 40 or 80 mM (in case of the combination formic acid+acetic acid+propionic acid+benzoic acid) were prepared. Further, compositions comprising either 0.31, 0.63, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mM of benzoic acid; compositions comprising either 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 or 400 mM of calcium formate; or of sodium benzoate; compositions comprising either 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12,5 or 25 mM of fumaric acid; as well as compositions comprising either 0.16, 0.31, 0.63, 1.25, 2.5, 5, or 10 mM of sorbic acid were prepared. Also, compositions comprising either 0.2, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mM of either sodium hypophosphite; magnesium hypophosphite; or potassium hypophosphite were prepared. Microbial growth was recorded for typical pathogen microbes selected from Escherichia coli (E. coli U5/41 (DSMZ 30083)), Salmonella enterica (S. enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium SL1344 (DSMZ 24522), Shigella sonnei (S. sonnei ATCC 29930, I virulent, WDCM 00127, CECT 4887 (DSMZ 5570), Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens (CCUG 47895; type A as described in Johansson et al. 2004. Vet Microbiol. 99 (3-4): 251-257)), and for typical probiotic microbes selected from Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri F 275 (DSMZ 20016), Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium D, serotype 11 (DSMZ 20477)), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis strain Marburg (DSMZ 10)), upon treatment with compositions as described above, wherein the influence of compositions comprising either organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof alone on the microbial growth, and the influence of compositions comprising either hypophosphoric acid(s) or salt(s) thereof alone, was compared to the influence of compositions comprising organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof as well as hypophosphoric acid(s) or salt(s) thereof on the microbial growth.

[0093] According to the goals of these experiments, the potential of these compositions either taken alone or in combinations of the organic acid(s) or the salt(s) thereof with sodium hypophosphite, magnesium hypophosphite or potassium hypophosphite to modulate microbial growth was studied. Hereto, compositions comprising acid(s) or salt(s) thereof and/or sodium hypophosphite, magnesium hypophosphite, or potassium hypophosphite as described above were prepared in Mueller-Hinton broth and sterilized by micro-filtration using a 0.22 m filter. Either of the microorganisms listed above were cultivated in Mueller-Hinton broth (Mueller et al. 1941. Experimental Biology and Medicine 48(1): 330-333) until late exponential phase. Those liquid cultures were used to inoculate the compositions prepared as described above in 96-well microtiter plates to reach a final density of 5*10.sup.5 cfu/mL. As sterility control, one well containing Mueller-Hinton broth was not inoculated with a microorganism. As growth control, at least 4 wells of the 96-well microtiter plate were prepared, wherein only Mueller-Hinton broth was inoculated with either of the studied microorganisms. In other words, the growth controls were not treated with a composition as referred to herein comprising organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof and/or any hypophosphite.

[0094] The thus inoculated microtiter plates were incubated overnight at 37 C. under anaerobic conditions, provided by a saturated nitrogen atmosphere in anaerobic jars to simulate conditions in a gastrointestinal tract. To evaluate microbial growth, the optical density at 600 nanometers (OD600) of each well of the incubated microtiter plates was measured approximately 20-26 h after incubation start, typically after approximately 24 h, using a multimode plate reader. The initial optical density value prior to overnight incubation was subtracted from the final value obtained after the overnight incubation period to calculate the growth values. These growth values were used to calculate the amount of inhibition compared to the growth values of the growth control wells. For instance, if the growth value of the growth control was 0.8308 after approximately 10 h, the growth value of an E. coli culture comprising 12.5 mM formic acid was 0.6624, the growth value of an E. coli culture comprising 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite was 0.7128, and the growth value of an E. coli culture comprising 12.5 mM formic acid and 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite was 0.3692, then the growth of the culture comprising 12.5 mM formic acid compared to the growth of the growth control would be calculated as 0.6624*100/0.8308=79.72%, the growth of the culture comprising 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite compared to the growth of the growth control would be calculated as 0.7128*100/0.8308=85.80%, and the growth of the culture comprising 12.5 mM formic acid and 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite compared to the growth of the growth control would be calculated as 0.3692*100/0.8308=44.44%. In other words, the composition comprising 12.5 mM formic acid inhibited the microbial growth by 10079.92=20.28%, the composition comprising 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite inhibited the microbial growth by 10085.80=14.20%, and the composition comprising 12.5 mM formic acid and 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite inhibited the microbial growth by 10044.44=55.56%.

[0095] Synergistic inhibition was assessed as published by Colby et al. (1967. Weeds 15(1): 20-22) using the following formula:

[00001]$E=X+\left(Y/100\right)\left(100-X\right)$

[0096] Therein, E represents an expectation value; X represents the degree of inhibition observed upon treatment with a substance 1 (herein: organic acid(s) and/or salt(s) thereof); and Y represents the degree of inhibition observed upon treatment with a substance 2 (herein: hypophosphorous acid(s) and/or salt(s) thereof). The expectation value indicates the theoretical amount of inhibition that would be observable in case of merely additive (i.e. non-synergistic) inhibition of a combination of substance 1 and substance 2. Both, X and Y are calculated in percent of inhibition. A growth control that was not treated with substance 1 and/or substance 2, served as base value having no inhibition, i.e. 0% of inhibition.

[0097] In a next step, the actually observed amount of inhibition of a combination of substance 1 and substance 2 was compared to the expectation value, and used to quantify the synergy according to the following formula:

[00002]$S=O-E$

[0098] Therein, S represents the difference in the amount of inhibition between the calculated additive inhibition (E) and the actually observed amount of inhibition (O); E represents the expectation value as described above; and O denotes the observed amount of inhibition. In the event that S is a positive number, i.e. larger than 0, a combination of substance 1 and substance 2 was confirmed to inhibit the growth of the studied microbe synergistically.

[0099] For instance, in the example above, wherein a composition comprising 12.5 mM formic acid inhibited the microbial growth by 20.28%, a composition comprising 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite inhibited the microbial growth by 14.20%, the expectation value E would be calculated as 20.28+(14.20/100)*(10020.28)=31.60%. In other words, in case of an additive or non-synergistic inhibition, a composition comprising both 12.5 mM formic acid and 12.5 mM sodium hypophosphite would be expected to inhibit the microbial growth by 31.60%. However, in contrast to this expectation, the microbial growth was experimentally determined to be inhibited by 55.56%. Thus, S would be calculated as 55.5631.60=23,96%, indicating synergistic inhibition.

[0100] Synergistic modulation (or control) of microbial growth, in particular synergistically reduced growth of potential pathogens was found upon treatment with compositions comprising a combination of i) one or more organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof with ii) hypophosphorous acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the following Tables 3-13, examples of synergistic inhibition of microbial growth by compositions according to the invention are shown. Therein, the column labeled SHP mM/MHP mM/PHP mM indicates the concentration of hypophosphite that was comprised in a combination composition as described above. The column labeled acid/salt mM indicates the concentration of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof that was comprised in a combination composition as described above. The column labeled details indicates i) which organic acid, or which combination of organic acids, or which salt(s) thereof was/were comprised in the combination composition. And in addition, the synergistic inhibition effect (S) is given in brackets after the organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof with which the synergistic inhibition was observed in combination with the respective hypophosphite.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Escherichia coli U5/41 (DSMZ 30083) upon treatment with different concentrations of sodium hypophosphite (SHP) in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). SHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 200.00 calcium formate (3.32); 100.00 100.00 acetic (0.15); calcium formate (15.64); octanoic (8.87); pyruvic (0.2); valeric (0.04); 100.00 50.00 acetic (0.02); calcium formate (26.49); octanoic (8.55); pyruvic (0.31); 100.00 25.00 acetic (0.21); butyric (0.08); calcium formate (16.62); lactic (0.88); octanoic (10.38); pyruvic (1.11); succinic (0.42); valeric (0.16); 100.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.27); 100.00 12.50 acetic (12.27); butyric (4.27); citric (1.35); formic (23.13); fumaric (15.66); lactic (2.39); octanoic (10.72); propionic (2.9); succinic (4.14); valeric (3.19); 100.00 10.00 benzoic (1.55); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (16.76); 100.00 6.25 acetic (2.91); formic + acetic + propionic (1.18); citric (9.01); formic (16.2); fumaric (13.63); octanoic (7.06); succinic (1.93); valeric (1.03); 100.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.73); 100.00 3.13 citric (8.09); formic (1.9); fumaric (16.99); octanoic (2.67); 100.00 1.56 citric (5.57); fumaric (7.53); octanoic (2.52); succinic (4.91); 100.00 0.78 fumaric (5.1); 50.00 100.00 acetic (0.05); butyric (0.2); formic (0.15); octanoic (10.98); pyruvic (0.03); 50.00 50.00 octanoic (12.48); pyruvic (0.26); 50.00 25.00 acetic (0.13); butyric (0.16); calcium formate (8.88); lactic (1.58); octanoic (14.39); pyruvic (1.05); succinic (0.48); 50.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (14.74); 50.00 12.50 acetic (13.79); butyric (5.45); citric (0.8); formic (22.34); fumaric (7.22); lactic (8.47); octanoic (11.49); propionic (4.79); succinic (1.36); valeric (3.87); 50.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (42.99); 50.00 6.25 acetic (1.76); formic + acetic + propionic (1.11); citric (7.86); formic (20.57); lactic (6.21); octanoic (5.83); propionic (6.75); 50.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (27.69); 50.00 5.00 benzoic (2.59); sorbic (10.69); 50.00 3.13 formic (1.73); fumaric (2.22); lactic (3.18); octanoic (2.55); 50.00 2.50 benzoic (0.16); 50.00 1.56 fumaric (10.16); lactic (3.68); octanoic (2.02); succinic (8.05); 50.00 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.95); 50.00 0.63 benzoic (0.1); 50.00 0.39 fumaric (7.19); 50.00 0.31 benzoic (5.49); 25.00 100.00 acetic (0.01); formic (0.03); octanoic (11.64); pyruvic (0.24); valeric (0.04); 25.00 50.00 acetic (0.13); calcium formate (5.45); octanoic (14.56); valeric (0.01); 25.00 25.00 acetic (0.37); calcium formate (19.23); lactic (0.09); octanoic (15.91); pyruvic (0.81); succinic (0.1); 25.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (18.17); 25.00 12.50 acetic (14.4); butyric (5.53); calcium formate (12.62); citric (1.06); formic (14.97); fumaric (9.58); lactic (3.64); octanoic (11.92); propionic (4.31); succinic (3.17); valeric (3.78); 25.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (51.83); 25.00 6.25 acetic (5.58); citric (11.1); formic (20.78); sodium benzoate (5.05); octanoic (3.04); 25.00 5.00 sorbic (8.39); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (11.75); 25.00 3.13 acetic (0.67); citric (0.97); octanoic (3.72); succinic (1.67); 25.00 1.56 octanoic (1.76); 25.00 0.78 fumaric (7.3); 12.50 100.00 acetic (0.01); formic (0.15); octanoic (15.76); pyruvic (0.21); 12.50 50.00 acetic (0.09); octanoic (16.7); pyruvic (0.15); 12.50 25.00 calcium formate (13.66); lactic (0.71); octanoic (19.51); pyruvic (0.97); succinic (0.14); 12.50 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (25.12); 12.50 12.50 acetic (14.96); butyric (4.74); calcium formate (7.73); citric (1.82); formic (21.79); fumaric (9.1); lactic (5.48); octanoic (8.64); propionic (4.45); valeric (4.76); 12.50 10.00 benzoic (2.35); sorbic (0.44); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (74.6); 12.50 6.25 acetic (9.16); citric (12.77); formic (23.1); sodium benzoate (11.28); octanoic (6.44); 12.50 5.00 benzoic (3.07); sorbic (5.08); 12.50 3.13 citric (3.77); formic (7.14); fumaric (9.11); octanoic (4.9); succinic (2.78); 12.50 1.56 citric (8.28); formic (3.38); octanoic (4.64); succinic (6.99); 12.50 0.78 fumaric (5.2); 12.50 0.39 fumaric (7.2); 12.50 0.31 benzoic (0.42); 6.25 100.00 formic (0.03); octanoic (16.62); pyruvic (0.33); 6.25 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.73); 6.25 50.00 octanoic (18.98); 6.25 25.00 acetic (0.26); calcium formate (9.43); lactic (2.01); octanoic (20.21); pyruvic (0.35); 6.25 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (30.38); 6.25 12.50 acetic (15.16); butyric (5.82); calcium formate (6.97); citric (1.36); formic (21.67); lactic (15.15); sodium benzoate (0.01); octanoic (10.58); propionic (4.35); succinic (3.92); valeric (4.58); 6.25 10.00 benzoic (2.31); sorbic (0.28); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (53.06); 6.25 6.25 acetic (9.89); citric (14); formic (9.79); lactic (5.23); sodium benzoate (13.39); octanoic (6.65); 6.25 5.00 benzoic (6.43); sorbic (11.24); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (14.27); 6.25 3.13 citric (6.98); formic (5.04); fumaric (8.81); octanoic (3.27); succinic (8.72); 6.25 2.50 benzoic (2.95); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.49); 6.25 1.56 citric (1.34); lactic (0.99); octanoic (5.28); succinic (6.52); 6.25 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.65); 6.25 1.25 benzoic (0.98); 6.25 0.78 fumaric (18.57); 6.25 0.63 benzoic (0.41); 6.25 0.31 benzoic (1.44); 3.13 100.00 octanoic (19.07); pyruvic (0.27); valeric (0.12); 3.13 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.93); 3.13 50.00 octanoic (21.16); 3.13 25.00 lactic (1.74); octanoic (22.36); pyruvic (1.86); succinic (0.73); 3.13 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (32.14); 3.13 12.50 acetic (14.43); butyric (5.47); calcium formate (0.67); citric (1.04); formic (20.64); fumaric (14.88); lactic (11.37); octanoic (10.14); propionic (5.37); succinic (4.63); valeric (4.66); 3.13 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (55.93); 3.13 6.25 acetic (4.96); citric (12.43); formic (4.5); fumaric (8.65); lactic (7.05); octanoic (5.66); propionic (1.06); 3.13 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.88); 3.13 3.13 citric (6.44); formic (2.53); fumaric (13.81); lactic (0.63); octanoic (4.51); pyruvic (2.71); succinic (11.92); 3.13 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.25); 3.13 1.56 citric (2.87); fumaric (4.87); octanoic (3.26); succinic (8.84); 3.13 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (11.53); 1.56 100.00 octanoic (23.32); pyruvic (0.46); valeric (0.01); 1.56 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.16); 1.56 50.00 octanoic (25.76); 1.56 25.00 lactic (2.59); octanoic (27.03); pyruvic (1.46); succinic (0.89); 1.56 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (33.13); 1.56 12.50 acetic (13.39); butyric (6.92); citric (1.03); formic (20.87); fumaric (15.97); lactic (17.1); octanoic (6.44); propionic (6.57); succinic (5.33); valeric (5.66); 1.56 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (50.52); 1.56 6.25 acetic (9.74); citric (12.1); formic (5.66); fumaric (4.99); lactic (6.98); octanoic (5.06); propionic (4.09); 1.56 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.73); 1.56 3.13 citric (6.12); formic (4.22); fumaric (17.34); lactic (9.52); octanoic (9.38); pyruvic (1.19); succinic (7.82); 1.56 2.50 benzoic (2.69); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.15); 1.56 1.56 citric (2.55); formic (0.16); fumaric (11.51); lactic (1.79); octanoic (7.75); propionic (1.56); succinic (6.02); 1.56 1.25 benzoic (1.45); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (12.8); 1.56 0.63 benzoic (1.21); 1.56 0.39 fumaric (3.98); 1.56 0.31 benzoic (0.58); 0.78 100.00 butyric (0.05); formic (0.16); octanoic (20.56); pyruvic (0.45); 0.78 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.15); 0.78 50.00 octanoic (23.96); pyruvic (0.02); 0.78 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.01); 0.78 25.00 acetic (0.14); lactic (2.71); octanoic (24.4); pyruvic (1.87); succinic (0.62); 0.78 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (33.81); 0.78 12.50 acetic (13.73); butyric (7.83); citric (2.81); formic (18.31); fumaric (17.65); lactic (21.71); octanoic (2.09); propionic (6.32); succinic (5.53); valeric (6.11); 0.78 10.00 benzoic (2.44); sorbic (2.01); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (47.22); 0.78 6.25 acetic (5.51); citric (21.71); formic (0.62); fumaric (11.48); lactic (10.86); octanoic (1.44); propionic (3); 0.78 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.5); 0.78 3.13 acetic (2.12); citric (13.95); formic (0.69); fumaric (14.47); lactic (6.03); pyruvic (2.62); succinic (5.72); 0.78 2.50 benzoic (5.51); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.6); 0.78 1.56 citric (7.56); fumaric (2.29); lactic (2.08); octanoic (0.65); pyruvic (1.23); succinic (2.9); 0.78 1.25 benzoic (2.51); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (12.42); 0.78 0.78 fumaric (1.85); 0.78 0.63 benzoic (0.35); 0.78 0.31 benzoic (2.22); 0.39 100.00 butyric (0.08); formic (0.24); octanoic (24.71); succinic (0.05); 0.39 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.54); 0.39 50.00 octanoic (24.85); pyruvic (0.09); 0.39 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.57); 0.39 25.00 acetic (0.06); formic + acetic + propionic (0.17); lactic (1.88); octanoic (28.25); pyruvic (0.81); 0.39 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (35.78); 0.39 12.50 acetic (8.75); butyric (4.21); citric (3.35); formic (12.97); fumaric (18.25); lactic (21.17); octanoic (1.39); propionic (7.47); succinic (2.61); valeric (5.29); 0.39 10.00 benzoic (1.27); sorbic (1.6); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (57.11); 0.39 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (0.16); citric (23.43); fumaric (9.91); lactic (9.36); octanoic (2.91); 0.39 5.00 benzoic (3.43); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.27); 0.39 3.13 citric (16.12); fumaric (12.05); lactic (4.7); octanoic (7.27); succinic (0.95); 0.39 2.50 benzoic (4.97); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (10.36); 0.39 1.56 citric (9.63); formic (0.34); fumaric (6.54); lactic (1.83); octanoic (8.66); succinic (1.9); 0.39 1.25 benzoic (2.82); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (15.47); 0.39 0.63 benzoic (3.7); 0.39 0.39 fumaric (0.06); 0.39 0.31 benzoic (3.12); 0.20 100.00 butyric (0.09); formic (0.13); octanoic (23.7); pyruvic (1.24); 0.20 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.02); 0.20 50.00 acetic (0.16); formic + acetic + propionic (0.29); octanoic (26.27); 0.20 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.91); 0.20 25.00 acetic (0.09); octanoic (13.53); pyruvic (2.25); valeric (0.05); 0.20 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (35.64); 0.20 12.50 acetic (10.12); citric (3.95); fumaric (16.5); lactic (16.95); octanoic (3.93); propionic (6.18); valeric (0.12); 0.20 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (38.03); 0.20 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (0.42); citric (22.95); formic (2.23); fumaric (1.41); lactic (7.26); 0.20 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.59); 0.20 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (2.16); citric (9.6); formic (2.64); fumaric (8.08); lactic (5.97); octanoic (5.99); pyruvic (9.74); 0.20 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.47); 0.20 1.56 citric (5.61); formic (2); fumaric (1.56); lactic (1.12); octanoic (0.49); pyruvic (4.76); valeric (4.23); 0.20 1.25 benzoic (4.01); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (16.52); 0.20 0.78 fumaric (2.76); 0.20 0.63 benzoic (2.95); 0.20 0.39 fumaric (4.48); 0.20 0.31 benzoic (4.07);

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Escherichia coli U5/41 (DSMZ 30083) upon treatment with different concentrations of magnesium hypophosphite (MHP) in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). MHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 100.00 calcium formate (19.84); 100.00 50.00 calcium formate (18.84); 100.00 25.00 calcium formate (11.47); 100.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.04); 100.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (1.09 calcium formate (11.63); citric (1.77); 100.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (20.8); 100.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (5.78); calcium formate (3.83); formic (8.87); lactic (7.62); 100.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.16); 100.00 3.13 acetic (3.99); formic (6.69); lactic (8.95); 100.00 1.56 acetic (4.91); formic (7.96); lactic (6.63); 50.00 50.00 calcium formate (5.13); 50.00 25.00 calcium formate (5.36); 50.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.98); 50.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (0.9); calcium formate (10.65); citric (3.78); 50.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (22.9); 50.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (2.09); calcium formate (5.33); formic (5.96); 50.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.35); 50.00 3.13 acetic (5.54); formic (5.7); propionic (2.57); 50.00 1.56 acetic (4.89); formic (6.14); propionic (5.7); 50.00 0.63 benzoic (0.45); 50.00 0.31 benzoic (3.75); 25.00 100.00 citric (0.06); 25.00 25.00 25.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (14.35); 25.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (0.94); calcium formate (8.47); citric (3.59); sodium benzoate (1.53); 25.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (35.69); 25.00 6.25 calcium formate (0.73); formic (6.38); sodium benzoate (4.56); 25.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (17.49); 25.00 3.13 acetic (3.52); formic (1.46); propionic (5.32); 25.00 1.56 acetic (6.09); formic (4.02); lactic (6.32); propionic (7.28); 25.00 0.31 benzoic (8.5); 12.50 50.00 sodium benzoate (2.05); 12.50 25.00 sodium benzoate (0.53); 12.50 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (24.33); 12.50 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (4.04); calcium formate (2.26); citric (3.4); sodium benzoate (8.49); 12.50 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (64); 12.50 6.25 formic (2.24); sodium benzoate (13.45); 12.50 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.7); 12.50 3.13 acetic (3.37); formic (2.18); 12.50 1.56 acetic (1.55); formic (2.32); lactic (1.32); 6.25 100.00 sodium benzoate (0.06); 6.25 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.45); 6.25 50.00 sodium benzoate (2.18); 6.25 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.02); 6.25 25.00 sodium benzoate (1.78); 6.25 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (31.53); 6.25 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (9.92); calcium formate (6.11); citric (3.36); sodium benzoate (9.25); 6.25 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (76.19); 6.25 6.25 sodium benzoate (15.12); 6.25 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (16.33); 6.25 1.56 acetic (2.55); lactic (1.41); 3.13 100.00 acetic (0.04); 3.13 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.8); 3.13 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.61); 3.13 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (33.46); 3.13 12.50 calcium formate (0.3); citric (3.6); 3.13 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (58.6); 3.13 6.25 acetic (1.17); formic (4.24); lactic (10.62); 3.13 5.00 benzoic (18.1); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (10.71); 3.13 3.13 acetic (33.89); formic (12.43); lactic (23.13); propionic (15.71); 3.13 1.56 lactic (0.01); 3.13 1.25 benzoic (14.99); 3.13 0.63 benzoic (55.02); 3.13 0.31 benzoic (8.51); 1.56 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.97); 1.56 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.49); 1.56 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (34.72); 1.56 20.00 benzoic (0.04); 1.56 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (3.1); citric (3.91); 1.56 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (61.74); 1.56 6.25 formic (2.84); lactic (9.7); 1.56 5.00 benzoic (21.08); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.65); 1.56 3.13 lactic (4.78); 1.56 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.36); 1.56 1.56 lactic (9.15); 1.56 1.25 benzoic (5.31); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.44); 1.56 0.63 benzoic (7.02); 1.56 0.31 benzoic (6.28); 0.78 100.00 formic (0.11); 0.78 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.85); 0.78 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.54); 0.78 25.00 formic (0); lactic (0.11); 0.78 20.00 benzoic (0.13); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (35.4); 0.78 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (6.1); citric (4.07); 0.78 10.00 benzoic (6.05); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (55.81); 0.78 6.25 calcium formate (1.58); formic (1.62); lactic (20.06); propionic (0.78); 0.78 5.00 benzoic (23.02); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.43); 0.78 3.13 acetic (3.5); formic (1.61); lactic (18.37); 0.78 1.56 acetic (34.81); formic (26.94); lactic (41.1); propionic (29.56); 0.78 1.25 benzoic (5.15); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.17); 0.78 0.63 benzoic (11.58); 0.78 0.31 benzoic (62.65); 0.39 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.05); 0.39 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.41); 0.39 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.08); 0.39 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.52); lactic (0.11); 0.39 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (36.74); 0.39 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (10.33); calcium formate (9.21); citric (4.26); 0.39 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (55.14); 0.39 6.25 calcium formate (0.98); lactic (15.95); 0.39 5.00 benzoic (16.22); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.54); 0.39 3.13 lactic (3.2); 0.39 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.19); 0.39 1.56 lactic (5.42); 0.39 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.2); 0.39 0.63 benzoic (2.35); 0.39 0.31 benzoic (5.23); 0.20 400.00 calcium formate (2.14); 0.20 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.24); propionic (0.16); 0.20 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.1); 0.20 50.00 acetic (0.04); formic + acetic + propionic (1.02); 0.20 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.29); 0.20 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.61); 0.20 20.00 benzoic (0.16); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (36.78); 0.20 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (8.53); calcium formate (2.99); citric (4.82); 0.20 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (36.6); 0.20 6.25 acetic (0.4); formic + acetic + propionic (2.84); lactic (9.62); propionic (0.26); 0.20 5.00 benzoic (13.01); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.07); 0.20 3.13 acetic (2.24); formic + acetic + propionic (1.85); formic (6.02); propionic (5.49); 0.20 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.31); 0.20 1.56 formic (5.91); 0.20 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.58); 0.20 0.31 benzoic (4.84);

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Escherichia coli U5/41 (DSMZ 30083) upon treatment with different concentra- tions of potassium hypophosphite (PHP) in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). PHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 100.00 acetic (0.02); sodium benzoate (1.09); octanoic (5.95); 100.00 50.00 butyric (0.07); octanoic (5.36); succinic (0.06); 100.00 25.00 butyric (0.07); octanoic (7.47); succinic (0.74); 100.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.13); 100.00 12.50 acetic (1); butyric (1.09); formic (9.55); fumaric (6.91); lactic (1.18); octanoic (6.62); propionic (1.77); succinic (7.86); 100.00 10.00 sorbic (2.86); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (13.38); 100.00 6.25 acetic (1.69); butyric (1.96); formic + acetic + propionic (2.14); formic (9.5); fumaric (10.2); lactic (7.65); succinic (2.5); 100.00 5.00 benzoic (0.74); sorbic (6.8); 100.00 3.13 lactic (0.26); 100.00 2.50 sorbic (9.8); 100.00 1.56 formic (5.58); lactic (5.18); succinic (0.74); 100.00 1.25 sorbic (1.09); 100.00 0.63 benzoic (6); 100.00 0.31 benzoic (3.39); 50.00 100.00 acetic (0); butyric (0.11); octanoic (6.33); succinic (0.06); 50.00 50.00 octanoic (5.7); succinic (0.05); 50.00 25.00 butyric (0.1); octanoic (8.33); succinic (0.68); 50.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (14.62); 50.00 12.50 acetic (4.11); butyric (0.75); formic (8.36); fumaric (6.72); octanoic (5.27); propionic (3.78); succinic (8.14); 50.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (45.31); 50.00 6.25 acetic (4.12); formic (6.85); fumaric (5.2); succinic (2.84); valeric (0.14); 50.00 5.00 benzoic (1.45); sorbic (7.48); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (32.58); 50.00 3.13 acetic (5.89); 50.00 2.50 sorbic (9.49); 50.00 1.56 lactic (2.95); succinic (1.02); 50.00 1.25 sorbic (1.2); 50.00 0.63 sorbic (0.53); 50.00 0.31 benzoic (12.56); 25.00 100.00 sodium benzoate (1.35); octanoic (6.01); propionic (0.06); valeric (0.03); 25.00 50.00 butyric (0.02); sodium benzoate (3.51); octanoic (5.33); succinic (0.02); 25.00 25.00 octanoic (8.76); succinic (0.48); 25.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (23.58); 25.00 12.50 acetic (3.76); butyric (0.1); formic + acetic + propionic (2.81); formic (12.18); fumaric (7.06); sodium benzoate (4.21); octanoic (3.02); propionic (3.59); succinic (7.27); 25.00 10.00 sorbic (2.96); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (61.1); 25.00 6.25 acetic (2.79); formic (16.12); fumaric (7.36); sodium benzoate (8.09); succinic (1.63); 25.00 5.00 sorbic (8.09); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (21.87); 25.00 3.13 acetic (1.1); formic (2.98); fumaric (0.82); 25.00 2.50 sorbic (6.48); 25.00 1.56 formic (1.1); 25.00 1.25 sorbic (1.13); 25.00 0.63 benzoic (3.29); sorbic (0.54); 25.00 0.31 benzoic (3.14); sorbic (0.17); 25.00 0.16 sorbic (0.06); 12.50 100.00 formic (0.02); sodium benzoate (1.73); octanoic (6.69); 12.50 50.00 formic (0.08); sodium benzoate (6.5); octanoic (5.84); 12.50 25.00 octanoic (9.16); succinic (0.53); 12.50 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (24.93); 12.50 12.50 acetic (3.41); formic + acetic + propionic (4.31); formic (8.28); fumaric (7.3); sodium benzoate (7.2); octanoic (2.49); propionic (3.4); succinic (7.32); 12.50 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (66.35); 12.50 6.25 formic (12.28); fumaric (5.91); sodium benzoate (3.43); succinic (3.07); 12.50 5.00 benzoic (5.38); sorbic (8.76); 12.50 3.13 formic (1.25); fumaric (1.32); succinic (1.15); 12.50 2.50 sorbic (8.53); 12.50 1.56 succinic (1.51); 12.50 1.25 sorbic (3.08); 12.50 0.63 benzoic (8.13); sorbic (1.22); 12.50 0.31 benzoic (2.75); sorbic (0.92); 12.50 0.16 sorbic (1.19); 6.25 200.00 calcium formate (3.95); 6.25 100.00 formic (0); sodium benzoate (1); octanoic (6.83); succinic (0.11); 6.25 50.00 sodium benzoate (5.58); octanoic (6.49); 6.25 25.00 octanoic (9.71); succinic (0.34); 6.25 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (31.32); 6.25 12.50 acetic (4.29); formic + acetic + propionic (15.11); formic (4.39); fumaric (6.24); sodium benzoate (8.94); octanoic (0.87); propionic (3.36); succinic (7.28); 6.25 10.00 sorbic (3.27); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (55.94); 6.25 6.25 formic (1.98); fumaric (4.31); sodium benzoate (6.33); 6.25 5.00 benzoic (7.41); sorbic (8.62); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (12.98); 6.25 3.13 fumaric (2.5); succinic (3.37); 6.25 2.50 sorbic (7.92); 6.25 1.56 fumaric (0.21); succinic (3.02); 6.25 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.32); 6.25 0.78 fumaric (0.82); 6.25 0.63 benzoic (10.8); sorbic (1.47); 6.25 0.31 benzoic (11.62); sorbic (1.63); 3.13 200.00 calcium formate (7.93); 3.13 100.00 octanoic (5.98); valeric (0.02); 3.13 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.63); 3.13 50.00 octanoic (5.81); 3.13 25.00 octanoic (9.32); succinic (0.17); 3.13 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (31.37); 3.13 12.50 acetic (3.65); formic + acetic + propionic (5.87); formic (6.5); fumaric (6.57); octanoic (1.2); propionic (3.6); succinic (2.66); 3.13 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (50.71); 3.13 6.25 fumaric (2.83); 3.13 5.00 sorbic (8.98); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (3.64); 3.13 3.13 fumaric (4.24); lactic (1.73); succinic (0.56); 3.13 2.50 sorbic (10.03); 3.13 1.56 citric (8.05); formic (0.1); fumaric (1.56); lactic (12.78); succinic (1.7); 3.13 1.25 benzoic (2.36); sorbic (3.76); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.49); 3.13 0.78 fumaric (0.81); 3.13 0.63 benzoic (15.23); sorbic (3.52); 3.13 0.31 benzoic (15.11); sorbic (1.69); 3.13 0.16 sorbic (2.39); 1.56 200.00 calcium formate (4.28); 1.56 100.00 octanoic (6.97); succinic (0.04); 1.56 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.16); 1.56 50.00 octanoic (5.49); 1.56 25.00 octanoic (7.64); succinic (0.99); 1.56 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (31.02); 1.56 12.50 acetic (2.66); formic + acetic + propionic (9.86); formic (6.37); fumaric (7.48); octanoic (0.1); propionic (3.91); succinic (7.53); 1.56 10.00 sorbic (3.5); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (53.05); 1.56 6.25 fumaric (4.27); succinic (4.89); 1.56 5.00 benzoic (3.79); sorbic (9.67); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.98); 1.56 3.13 formic (3.48); fumaric (4.64); succinic (6.03); 1.56 2.50 sorbic (9.52); 1.56 1.56 formic (2.77); fumaric (2.82); lactic (2.73); succinic (3.88); 1.56 1.25 sorbic (2.49); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.33); 1.56 0.78 fumaric (3.27); 1.56 0.63 benzoic (8.75); sorbic (4.93); 1.56 0.39 fumaric (0.25); 1.56 0.31 benzoic (9.73); sorbic (3.11); 1.56 0.16 sorbic (1.46); 0.78 200.00 calcium formate (4.41); 0.78 100.00 octanoic (6.91); 0.78 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.75); 0.78 50.00 octanoic (7.62); 0.78 25.00 octanoic (8.63); succinic (0.59); 0.78 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (35.08); 0.78 12.50 acetic (3.75); formic + acetic + propionic (15.19); formic (8.2); fumaric (7.43); propionic (4.07); succinic (8.55); 0.78 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (43.35); 0.78 6.25 formic (1.01); fumaric (4.85); succinic (4.5); 0.78 5.00 benzoic (11.38); sorbic (10.53); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.99); 0.78 3.13 formic (1.58); fumaric (3.27); succinic (6.06); 0.78 2.50 sorbic (8.68); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.58); 0.78 1.56 formic (2.77); fumaric (2.46); lactic (5.1); succinic (5.36); 0.78 1.25 benzoic (3.27); sorbic (3.46); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.48); 0.78 0.78 fumaric (2.45); 0.78 0.63 benzoic (10.45); sorbic (5.27); 0.78 0.39 fumaric (0.73); 0.78 0.31 benzoic (9.47); sorbic (3.36); 0.78 0.16 sorbic (2.09); 0.39 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.31); formic (0.06); octanoic (4.8); succinic (0.11); 0.39 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.8); 0.39 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.16); formic (0.15); octanoic (4.38); 0.39 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.35); 0.39 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.63); formic (0.01); fumaric (0.05); octanoic (4.03); succinic (0.63); 0.39 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (36.55); 0.39 12.50 acetic (3.12); formic + acetic + propionic (22.98); fumaric (5.17); propionic (4.26); succinic (7.22); 0.39 10.00 sorbic (3.67); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (47.76); 0.39 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (0.75); formic (2.1); fumaric (6.71); succinic (1.55); valeric (0.68); 0.39 5.00 benzoic (12.28); sorbic (10.1); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.47); 0.39 3.13 formic (4.39); fumaric (2.24); 0.39 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.42); 0.39 1.56 formic (3.92); fumaric (1.58); succinic (3.03); 0.39 1.25 benzoic (1.81); sorbic (2.17); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.24); 0.39 0.78 fumaric (1.67); 0.39 0.63 benzoic (5.57); sorbic (2.86); 0.39 0.39 fumaric (0.63); 0.39 0.31 benzoic (4.87); sorbic (1.9); 0.39 0.16 sorbic (1.09); 0.20 200.00 calcium formate (12.51); 0.20 100.00 acetic (0.05); butyric (0.04); formic + acetic + propionic (0.68); succinic (0.1); 0.20 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.52); 0.20 50.00 acetic (0.03); formic + acetic + propionic (0.8); formic (0.11); 0.20 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.97); 0.20 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.79); succinic (0.61); 0.20 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (31.19); 0.20 12.50 acetic (3.1); formic + acetic + propionic (19.81); fumaric (7.87); propionic (4.82); succinic (7.59); 0.20 10.00 sorbic (3.73); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (33.35); 0.20 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (7.14); fumaric (4.17); valeric (0.64); 0.20 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.17); 0.20 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (1.06); formic (5.07); succinic (1.63); 0.20 2.50 sorbic (4.2); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (2.7); 0.20 1.56 formic + acetic + propionic (2.42); formic (3.9); fumaric (0.56); butyric (4.11); 0.20 1.25 sorbic (1.9); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.39); 0.20 0.63 benzoic (4.64); sorbic (2.02); 0.20 0.31 benzoic (2.39); sorbic (1.64); 0.20 0.16 sorbic (1.45);

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium SL1344 (DSMZ 24522) upon treatment with different concentrations of SHP in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). SHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 100.00 octanoic (0); valeric (0.02); 100.00 50.00 butyric (0.05); octanoic (0.41); pyruvic (0.26); 100.00 25.00 butyric (0.32); lactic (1.4); octanoic (1.25); pyruvic (0.95); valeric (0.06); 100.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (15.77); 100.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (15.81); citric (0.12); fumaric (5.73); octanoic (9.16); valeric (2.23); 100.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (12.02); 100.00 6.25 formic (4); fumaric (1.07); lactic (5.31); sodium benzoate (7.18); 100.00 5.00 sorbic (2.55); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (2.74); 100.00 3.13 acetic (1.93); formic (1.01); fumaric (4.15); lactic (3.9); propionic (2.42); valeric (3.53); 100.00 1.56 acetic (3.44); formic (5.15); fumaric (0.62); lactic (4.22); pyruvic (0.96); valeric (7.12); 100.00 0.78 fumaric (1.06); 100.00 0.16 sorbic (4.62); 50.00 100.00 butyric (0.31); pyruvic (0); 50.00 50.00 octanoic (1.21); pyruvic (0.05); 50.00 25.00 butyric (0.48); lactic (1.49); octanoic (2.71); pyruvic (0.8); 50.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (13.28); 50.00 12.50 butyric (0.01); formic + acetic + propionic (15.9); fumaric (4.31); octanoic (10.59); valeric (2.71); 50.00 10.00 benzoic (1.23); sorbic (8.02); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.89); 50.00 6.25 formic (0.37); lactic (2.66); sodium benzoate (8.29); valeric (11.11); 50.00 5.00 benzoic (4.16); sorbic (21.72); 50.00 3.13 fumaric (0.98); propionic (0.15); 50.00 2.50 sorbic (1.13); 50.00 1.56 acetic (1.95); formic (1.84); valeric (9.79); 50.00 1.25 sorbic (0.34); 50.00 0.78 fumaric (0.58); 50.00 0.39 fumaric (6.2); 50.00 0.31 sorbic (11.65); 50.00 0.16 sorbic (10.55); 25.00 100.00 pyruvic (0.08); 25.00 50.00 butyric (0.03); pyruvic (0.17); 25.00 25.00 lactic (0.43); octanoic (1.56); pyruvic (0.9); valeric (0.02); 25.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (14.28); 25.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (14.22); fumaric (0.67); octanoic (6.64); valeric (2.78); 25.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.96); 25.00 6.25 calcium formate (2.78); sodium benzoate (16.76); octanoic (4.16); valeric (13.91); 25.00 5.00 sorbic (28.51); 25.00 3.13 propionic (1.14); valeric (3.47); 25.00 2.50 sorbic (5.04); 25.00 1.56 acetic (4.67); formic (0.1); lactic (0.68); valeric (14.59); 25.00 1.25 sorbic (4.89); 25.00 0.63 sorbic (13.54); 25.00 0.31 sorbic (25.64); 25.00 0.16 sorbic (24.95); 12.50 200.00 calcium formate (2.57); 12.50 100.00 calcium formate (4.79); octanoic (0.93); valeric (0.01); 12.50 50.00 calcium formate (6.79); octanoic (2.58); pyruvic (0.22); 12.50 25.00 lactic (0.49); octanoic (2.39); pyruvic (0.85); valeric (0.02); 12.50 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (16.74); 12.50 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (9.66); fumaric (4.41); sodium benzoate (9.94); propionic (0.12); valeric (3.05); 12.50 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.07); 12.50 6.25 calcium formate (16.84); fumaric (7.51); sodium benzoate (31.08); octanoic (1.79); valeric (14.92); 12.50 5.00 benzoic (1.13); sorbic (15.47); 12.50 3.13 fumaric (2.71); valeric (4.67); 12.50 1.56 acetic (4.91); formic (1.57); fumaric (4.69); valeric (17.58); 12.50 0.78 fumaric (6.91); 12.50 0.39 fumaric (9.99); 12.50 0.31 sorbic (13.94); 12.50 0.16 sorbic (23.1); 6.25 200.00 calcium formate (9.36); 6.25 100.00 butyric (0.06); calcium formate (3.69); sodium benzoate (9.78); octanoic (3.42); pyruvic (0.01); 6.25 50.00 butyric (0.02); calcium formate (7.19); sodium benzoate (15.86); octanoic (5.11); 6.25 25.00 lactic (1); octanoic (3.58); pyruvic (0.57); 6.25 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (47.47); 6.25 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (13.06); formic (0.27); fumaric (0.35); lactic (5.98); sodium benzoate (12.26); octanoic (4.66); valeric (3.18); 6.25 10.00 benzoic (0.92); sorbic (25.99); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (36.27); 6.25 6.25 calcium formate (14.2); sodium benzoate (41.63); octanoic (11.04); valeric (16.85); 6.25 5.00 sorbic (29.36); 6.25 3.13 citric (5.78); octanoic (1.24); valeric (9.06); 6.25 2.50 sorbic (3.18); 6.25 1.56 formic (0.08); octanoic (4.75); valeric (9.63); 6.25 1.25 sorbic (5.2); 6.25 0.63 sorbic (9.93); 6.25 0.39 fumaric (1.13); 6.25 0.31 sorbic (26.98); 6.25 0.16 sorbic (34.8); 3.13 200.00 calcium formate (10.46); 3.13 100.00 calcium formate (1.32); sodium benzoate (2.68); octanoic (8.01); 3.13 50.00 calcium formate (7.19); sodium benzoate (4.93); octanoic (10.57); 3.13 25.00 octanoic (8.9); pyruvic (0.74); 3.13 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (53); 3.13 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (0.86); citric (0.45); formic (1.09); fumaric (5.26); lactic (16.98); octanoic (14.66); 3.13 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (58.94); 3.13 6.25 calcium formate (9.86); citric (2.85); fumaric (7.12); octanoic (21.56); pyruvic (7.77); valeric (4.12); 3.13 5.00 sorbic (27.72); 3.13 3.13 citric (22.06); fumaric (2.11); octanoic (11.99); pyruvic (0.55); 3.13 1.56 citric (11.59); octanoic (14.92); 3.13 1.25 sorbic (1.21); 3.13 0.63 sorbic (3.88); 3.13 0.39 fumaric (0.31); 3.13 0.31 sorbic (17.34); 3.13 0.16 sorbic (28.66); 1.56 200.00 calcium formate (12.83); 1.56 100.00 calcium formate (4.36); sodium benzoate (2.8); octanoic (7.13); 1.56 50.00 calcium formate (9.99); octanoic (9.88); 1.56 25.00 calcium formate (4.63); lactic (2.46); octanoic (9.02); pyruvic (0.39); 1.56 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (54.44); 1.56 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (5.17); citric (1.52); formic (1.64); fumaric (4); lactic (33.82); octanoic (16.01); pyruvic (4.86); valeric (3.23); 1.56 10.00 benzoic (2.46); sorbic (15.95); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (44.74); 1.56 6.25 calcium formate (4.5); citric (3.63); fumaric (4.45); lactic (11.36); octanoic (9.33); pyruvic (17.2); valeric (17.6); 1.56 5.00 benzoic (6.8); sorbic (13.38); 1.56 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (0.86); citric (28.76); fumaric (6.71); lactic (3.63); octanoic (15.21); pyruvic (0.66); valeric (8.79); 1.56 1.56 citric (9.04); lactic (2.88); octanoic (14.76); pyruvic (2.2); valeric (8.52); 1.56 0.39 fumaric (0.94); 1.56 0.16 sorbic (2.9); 0.78 200.00 calcium formate (10.18); 0.78 100.00 calcium formate (3.28); octanoic (4.56); 0.78 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.21); 0.78 50.00 calcium formate (10.14); octanoic (7.04); 0.78 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.02); 0.78 25.00 calcium formate (3.09); lactic (2.7); octanoic (1.1); 0.78 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (69); 0.78 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (6.76); calcium formate (2.54); citric (2.58); formic (2.58); fumaric (8.79); lactic (40.84); octanoic (9.44); propionic (0.08); pyruvic (9.37); succinic (1.85); valeric (3.99); 0.78 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (57.51); 0.78 6.25 acetic (7.4); calcium formate (10.59); citric (6.9); fumaric (14.56); lactic (0.67); pyruvic (15.23); valeric (8.85); 0.78 5.00 benzoic (12.79); sorbic (16.78); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.02); 0.78 3.13 citric (37.03); fumaric (9.13); lactic (1.84); octanoic (9.48); pyruvic (1.7); valeric (13.85); 0.78 2.50 benzoic (3.85); 0.78 1.56 citric (10.07); lactic (5.37); pyruvic (3.34); valeric (1.18); 0.78 0.39 fumaric (0.85); 0.39 200.00 calcium formate (8.97); 0.39 100.00 calcium formate (9.03); formic (0.2); octanoic (5.23); pyruvic (0.02); 0.39 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.85); 0.39 50.00 calcium formate (10.56); octanoic (10.2); 0.39 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.48); 0.39 25.00 calcium formate (3.6); lactic (1.8); octanoic (11.65); valeric (0.03); 0.39 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (72.65); 0.39 12.50 acetic (0.89); butyric (0.4); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (36.54); calcium formate (7.28); citric (5.45); formic (3.67); fumaric (17.37); lactic (46.53); octanoic (9.23); propionic (0.44); pyruvic (9.76); succinic (10.17); valeric (3.33); 0.39 10.00 benzoic (3.22); sorbic (15.23); 0.39 6.25 acetic (15.1); calcium formate (10.03); citric (13.37); fumaric (33.93); lactic (13.18); pyruvic (12.74); valeric (14.84); 0.39 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.69); 0.39 3.13 citric (47.96); fumaric (36.02); lactic (7.2); pyruvic (7.04); succinic (6.61); 0.39 2.50 benzoic (18.5); sorbic (3.54); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (2.95); 0.39 1.56 citric (20.44); formic (3.9); fumaric (27.76); lactic (7.17); octanoic (3.87); pyruvic (7.43); succinic (13.18); 0.39 1.25 sorbic (3.02); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.32); 0.39 0.78 fumaric (15.08); 0.39 0.39 fumaric (20.49); 0.39 0.31 sorbic (7.57); 0.39 0.16 sorbic (6.63); 0.20 200.00 calcium formate (8.12); 0.20 100.00 acetic (0.07); butyric (0.31); calcium formate (3.2); formic (0.13); octanoic (4.67); 0.20 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.05); 0.20 50.00 acetic (0.13); calcium formate (5.94); octanoic (8.03); 0.20 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.66); 0.20 25.00 acetic (0.22); calcium formate (0.93); lactic (5.04); octanoic (11.16); pyruvic (0.47); valeric (0.07); 0.20 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (63.93); 0.20 12.50 acetic (4.36); butyric (5.38); calcium formate (3.52); fumaric (16.5); lactic (42.06); propionic (4.2); pyruvic (16.01); succinic (6.29); 0.20 10.00 sorbic (1.77); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (13.25); 0.20 6.25 acetic (22.39); butyric (11.37); calcium formate (15.85); citric (16.51); formic (5.7); fumaric (24.03); lactic (27.11); propionic (11.12); pyruvic (12.76); 0.20 5.00 benzoic (14.94); sorbic (11.46); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.39); 0.20 3.13 acetic (2.19); citric (45.22); formic (6.67); fumaric (35.71); lactic (15.99); pyruvic (12.59); succinic (0.71); 0.20 2.50 benzoic (1.72); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.14); 0.20 1.56 citric (27.34); formic (13.41); fumaric (1.29); lactic (8.32); 0.20 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.96); 0.20 0.78 fumaric (0.87); 0.20 0.39 fumaric (5.87); 0.20 0.16 sorbic (5.31);

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium SL1344 (DSMZ 24522) upon treatment with different concentrations of MHP in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). MHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 50.00 calcium formate (1.95); sodium benzoate (6.75); 100.00 25.00 sodium benzoate (2.11); 100.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.68); 100.00 12.50 formic+acetic+propionic (12.01); calcium formate (9.39); 100.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (16.29); 100.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (7.2); calcium formate (5.64); formic (1.8); 100.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.63); 100.00 3.13 acetic (8.19); 100.00 1.56 acetic (6.9); formic (3.45); 100.00 1.25 benzoic (7.4); 100.00 0.63 benzoic (7.34); 100.00 0.31 benzoic (8.39); 50.00 50.00 sodium benzoate (1.4); 50.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.9); 50.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (13.74); calcium formate (4.98); 50.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.88); 50.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (7.37); calcium formate (4.42); formic (0.64); 50.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.26); 50.00 3.13 acetic (4.74); formic (1.24); propionic (5.36); 50.00 1.56 acetic (7.5); formic (5.07); propionic (7.49); 50.00 1.25 benzoic (2.43); 50.00 0.63 benzoic (0); 50.00 0.31 benzoic (1.77); 25.00 100.00 acetic (0.04); 25.00 50.00 sodium benzoate (1.79); 25.00 25.00 lactic (0.05); sodium benzoate (0.43); 25.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.25); 25.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (9.04); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.29); 25.00 6.25 acetic (4.24); formic + acetic + propionic (1.09); calcium formate (10.36); formic (2.29); 25.00 3.13 acetic (13.56); formic (3.97); propionic (1.29); 25.00 1.56 acetic (11.42); formic (6.45); propionic (4.24); 12.50 200.00 calcium formate (18.67); 12.50 25.00 lactic (0.18); 12.50 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.69); 12.50 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (6.59); calcium formate (22.04); 12.50 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (11.63); 12.50 6.25 calcium formate (8.65); 12.50 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.43); 12.50 3.13 acetic (6.2); formic (4.5); lactic (9); propionic (5.18); 12.50 1.56 acetic (6.55); formic (4.74); lactic (7.58); propionic (4.42); 12.50 1.25 benzoic (3.5); 12.50 0.63 benzoic (8.74); 12.50 0.31 benzoic (9.54); 6.25 200.00 calcium formate (25.8); 6.25 100.00 calcium formate (4.02); 6.25 50.00 calcium formate (3.17); 6.25 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.35); 6.25 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (8.9); 6.25 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (21.24); 6.25 6.25 calcium formate (3.56); 6.25 3.13 propionic (2.79); 6.25 1.56 acetic (3.57); formic (0.23); lactic (1.89); propionic (4.81); 6.25 0.31 benzoic (2.56); 3.13 200.00 calcium formate (29.24); 3.13 100.00 acetic (0.02); calcium formate (3.68); 3.13 25.00 lactic (0.47); 3.13 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (18.36); 3.13 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (43.93); 3.13 6.25 lactic (4.3); 3.13 5.00 benzoic (0.33); 3.13 3.13 acetic (15.81); formic (10.76); lactic (17.78); propionic (6.41); 3.13 1.56 acetic (4.42); lactic (5.39); propionic (2.42); 3.13 0.63 benzoic (13.45); 3.13 0.31 benzoic (0.78); 1.56 200.00 calcium formate (36.07); 1.56 100.00 acetic (0.02); calcium formate (7.09); 1.56 50.00 calcium formate (2.11); 1.56 25.00 calcium formate (1.19); 1.56 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (18.02); 1.56 12.50 calcium formate (9.79); 1.56 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (39.28); 1.56 5.00 benzoic (0.81); 1.56 3.13 acetic (1.31); 1.56 1.56 acetic (3.1); 0.78 400.00 calcium formate (0.67); 0.78 200.00 calcium formate (40.84); 0.78 100.00 calcium formate (8.85); 0.78 50.00 calcium formate (10.15); 0.78 25.00 calcium formate (6.4); lactic (0.74); 0.78 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (25.82); 0.78 12.50 calcium formate (27.42); 0.78 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (22.61); 0.78 6.25 lactic (11.39); 0.78 5.00 benzoic (0.04); 0.78 3.13 acetic (6); lactic (18.46); 0.78 1.56 acetic (18.7); citric (3.05); formic (9.49); lactic (30.79); propionic (13.71); 0.78 1.25 benzoic (3.73); 0.78 0.63 benzoic (11.51); 0.78 0.31 benzoic (25.87); 0.39 200.00 calcium formate (39.63); 0.39 100.00 calcium formate (9.03); 0.39 50.00 calcium formate (11.39); 0.39 25.00 calcium formate (2.23); lactic (1.26); 0.39 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (32.44); 0.39 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (0.54); calcium formate (34.92); 0.39 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (36.11); 0.39 6.25 lactic (11.46); 0.39 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (2.02); 0.39 1.25 benzoic (10.41); 0.39 0.63 benzoic (3.75); 0.39 0.31 benzoic (3.13); 0.20 200.00 calcium formate (37.5); 0.20 100.00 calcium formate (3.11); lactic (0.29); 0.20 50.00 acetic (0.04); calcium formate (12.65); lactic (0.09); 0.20 25.00 calcium formate (6); lactic (1.49); 0.20 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (37.41); 0.20 12.50 acetic (1.31); formic + acetic + propionic (12.87); calcium formate (41.12); 0.20 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (29.72); 0.20 6.25 lactic (28.24); 0.20 5.00 benzoic (2.7); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.06); 0.20 3.13 acetic (3.93); lactic (6.47); 0.20 1.56 lactic (0.91); 0.20 1.25 benzoic (9.87); 0.20 0.63 benzoic (0.58);

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium SL1344 (DSMZ 24522) upon treatment with different concentrations of PHP in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). PHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 100.00 octanoic (18.22); valeric (0.08); 100.00 50.00 butyric (0.03); octanoic (17.68); 100.00 25.00 butyric (0.03); octanoic (18.45); succinic (0.16); valeric (0); 100.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (13); formic (4.04); fumaric (8.16); octanoic (19.55); propionic (1.36); succinic (1.92); 100.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (13.88); 100.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (9.01); formic (2.14); fumaric (19.89); lactic (15.02); sodium benzoate (2.86); octanoic (19.99); propionic (0.2); 100.00 5.00 sorbic (18.8); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (3.69); 100.00 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (5.7); fumaric (29.08); lactic (10.5); octanoic (19.24); succinic (17.75); 100.00 2.50 benzoic (29.76); sorbic (36.28); 100.00 1.56 formic + acetic + propionic (5.54); formic (0.57); fumaric (27.6); lactic (2.26); octanoic (20.84); succinic (19.27); 100.00 1.25 benzoic (18.82); sorbic (38.52); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.81); 100.00 0.78 fumaric (25.19); 100.00 0.63 benzoic (19.42); sorbic (35.11); 100.00 0.39 fumaric (33.71); 100.00 0.31 benzoic (5.46); sorbic (35.1); 100.00 0.16 sorbic (35.91); 50.00 100.00 butyric (0.01); octanoic (15.31); 50.00 50.00 octanoic (14.48); 50.00 25.00 butyric (0.08); fumaric (0.01); octanoic (15.14); succinic (0.01); 50.00 12.50 acetic (0.8); formic + acetic + propionic (7.12); formic (4.74); fumaric (7.71); octanoic (15.78); propionic (1.73); valeric (0.02); 50.00 10.00 sorbic (5.34); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (2.19); 50.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (4.11); formic (2.3); fumaric (20.1); sodium benzoate (6.03); octanoic (14.28); 50.00 5.00 sorbic (15.19); 50.00 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (1.94); fumaric (30.57); octanoic (12.33); succinic (10.4); 50.00 2.50 benzoic (14.65); sorbic (25.51); 50.00 1.56 acetic (1.27); formic + acetic + propionic (1.76); fumaric (28.05); lactic (3.75); octanoic (14.56); succinic (13.21); 50.00 1.25 benzoic (0.63); sorbic (26.04); 50.00 0.78 fumaric (25.94); 50.00 0.63 sorbic (25.19); 50.00 0.39 fumaric (34.71); 50.00 0.31 sorbic (23.31); 50.00 0.16 sorbic (23.84); 25.00 400.00 calcium formate (7.37); 25.00 100.00 calcium formate (21.2); octanoic (10.38); valeric (0.05); 25.00 50.00 calcium formate (13.49); octanoic (9.99); valeric (0.04); 25.00 25.00 calcium formate (4.01); fumaric (0.12); octanoic (9.77); valeric (0); 25.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (3.43); calcium formate (8.99); formic (0.42); fumaric (9.89); sodium benzoate (13.14); octanoic (8.45); propionic (1.25); 25.00 10.00 sorbic (6.12); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.77); 25.00 6.25 calcium formate (17.11); fumaric (28.08); sodium benzoate (25.38); octanoic (5.79); succinic (4.17); 25.00 5.00 sorbic (18.17); 25.00 3.13 fumaric (37.99); octanoic (4.73); succinic (18.27); 25.00 2.50 benzoic (18.18); sorbic (29.25); 25.00 1.56 fumaric (35.48); octanoic (4.92); succinic (19.46); 25.00 1.25 benzoic (5.76); sorbic (26.93); 25.00 0.78 fumaric (33.07); 25.00 0.63 sorbic (26.57); 25.00 0.39 fumaric (42.36); 25.00 0.31 sorbic (26.41); 25.00 0.16 sorbic (28.7); 12.50 400.00 calcium formate (7.68); 12.50 100.00 calcium formate (29.46); sodium benzoate (2.04); octanoic (8.92); 12.50 50.00 calcium formate (19.47); sodium benzoate (2.67); octanoic (8.46); valeric (0.04); 12.50 25.00 calcium formate (12.54); sodium benzoate (7.58); octanoic (8.1); 12.50 12.50 acetic (0.31); formic + acetic + propionic (0.37); formic (3.33); fumaric (8.17); sodium benzoate (25.45); octanoic (1.93); propionic (1.8); 12.50 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (20.74); 12.50 6.25 calcium formate (14.05); formic (0.88); fumaric (21.85); sodium benzoate (43.98); succinic (4.77); 12.50 5.00 sorbic (22.84); 12.50 3.13 fumaric (28.19); succinic (10.05); 12.50 2.50 benzoic (19.31); sorbic (32.35); 12.50 1.56 formic (1.33); fumaric (28.48); octanoic (0.41); succinic (12.59); 12.50 1.25 benzoic (3.63); sorbic (27.92); 12.50 0.78 fumaric (26.71); 12.50 0.63 sorbic (33.61); 12.50 0.39 fumaric (36.38); 12.50 0.31 sorbic (35.3); 12.50 0.16 sorbic (35.94); 6.25 400.00 calcium formate (1.98); 6.25 200.00 calcium formate (1.69); 6.25 100.00 calcium formate (22.27); sodium benzoate (13.58); octanoic (18.29); 6.25 50.00 calcium formate (17.3); sodium benzoate (21.37); octanoic (17.96); 6.25 25.00 calcium formate (10.99); fumaric (0.01); sodium benzoate (11.19); octanoic (18.23); 6.25 12.50 formic (2.72); fumaric (7.49); sodium benzoate (28.83); octanoic (11.99); propionic (2.05); valeric (0.06); 6.25 10.00 sorbic (6.44); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (56.86); 6.25 6.25 calcium formate (16.14); fumaric (19.74); sodium benzoate (48.79); octanoic (10.17); propionic (1.2); succinic (6); valeric (0.64); 6.25 5.00 sorbic (18.95); 6.25 3.13 fumaric (28.54); octanoic (2.22); succinic (13.13); 6.25 2.50 benzoic (16.2); sorbic (26.95); 6.25 1.56 formic (1.73); fumaric (25.27); octanoic (11.28); propionic (1.31); succinic (10.86); 6.25 1.25 sorbic (18.45); 6.25 0.78 fumaric (23.72); 6.25 0.63 sorbic (21.11); 6.25 0.39 fumaric (33.29); 6.25 0.31 sorbic (27.33); 6.25 0.16 sorbic (27.45); 3.13 400.00 calcium formate (0.45); 3.13 100.00 calcium formate (21.77); sodium benzoate (13.63); octanoic (18.21); valeric (0); 3.13 50.00 calcium formate (18.53); sodium benzoate (22.11); octanoic (17.75); 3.13 25.00 calcium formate (6.73); sodium benzoate (11.59); octanoic (17.2); 3.13 12.50 formic (0.09); fumaric (4.2); sodium benzoate (26.49); octanoic (12.1); propionic (1.33); 3.13 10.00 sorbic (4.97); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (66.7); 3.13 6.25 calcium formate (10.41); fumaric (11.64); sodium benzoate (43.01); octanoic (3.87); succinic (0.15); 3.13 5.00 sorbic (15.52); 3.13 3.13 fumaric (15.99); octanoic (1.44); succinic (1.09); 3.13 2.50 benzoic (16.93); sorbic (18.78); 3.13 1.56 fumaric (13.37); lactic (1.56); octanoic (1.76); succinic (0.43); 3.13 1.25 benzoic (2.68); sorbic (1.2); 3.13 0.78 fumaric (13.22); 3.13 0.63 sorbic (2.75); 3.13 0.39 fumaric (18.62); 3.13 0.31 sorbic (11.01); 3.13 0.16 sorbic (12.46); 1.56 100.00 calcium formate (24.85); sodium benzoate (14.49); octanoic (21.66); valeric (0); 1.56 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.58); 1.56 50.00 calcium formate (20.09); sodium benzoate (23.01); octanoic (20.83); 1.56 25.00 calcium formate (12.91); sodium benzoate (10.18); octanoic (19.53); succinic (0.28); 1.56 12.50 calcium formate (0.4); formic (1.64); fumaric (5.08); sodium benzoate (25.1); octanoic (10.48); propionic (1.6); succinic (1.63); 1.56 10.00 sorbic (5.04); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (70.66); 1.56 6.25 calcium formate (16.91); fumaric (15.3); sodium benzoate (46.99); succinic (13.59); 1.56 5.00 sorbic (14.44); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.75); 1.56 3.13 fumaric (19.26); lactic (8.01); succinic (19.92); 1.56 2.50 benzoic (16.68); sorbic (11.66); 1.56 1.56 fumaric (17.15); lactic (9.29); octanoic (0.27); succinic (17.07); 1.56 0.78 fumaric (15.34); 1.56 0.39 fumaric (20.21); 1.56 0.16 sorbic (2.96); 0.78 100.00 calcium formate (12.4); sodium benzoate (1.99); octanoic (24.31); 0.78 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.21); 0.78 50.00 calcium formate (9.88); sodium benzoate (5.83); octanoic (23.52); 0.78 25.00 calcium formate (3.58); sodium benzoate (12.99); octanoic (22.02); succinic (0.31); 0.78 12.50 acetic (0.31); formic (10.45); fumaric (4.38); sodium benzoate (35.48); octanoic (10.01); propionic (2.08); succinic (3.43); 0.78 10.00 sorbic (5.75); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (36.85); 0.78 6.25 calcium formate (3.09); fumaric (13.87); sodium benzoate (55.14); succinic (13.53); valeric (0.03); 0.78 5.00 sorbic (16.89); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.85); 0.78 3.13 fumaric (15.1); succinic (17.79); 0.78 2.50 benzoic (13.26); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.34); 0.78 1.56 fumaric (5.53); lactic (0.7); succinic (8.02); 0.78 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.97); 0.78 0.39 fumaric (4.17); 0.78 0.31 benzoic (0.38); 0.39 200.00 sodium benzoate (2.08); 0.39 100.00 calcium formate (23.22); formic (0.12); sodium benzoate (6.45); octanoic (30.16); succinic (0.09); 0.39 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.58); 0.39 50.00 calcium formate (12.87); sodium benzoate (0.84); octanoic (29.68); 0.39 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.01); 0.39 25.00 calcium formate (15.41); sodium benzoate (10.68); octanoic (30.21); succinic (0.35); valeric (0.01); 0.39 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.42); 0.39 12.50 acetic (2.45); calcium formate (14.6); formic (2.62); fumaric (7.42); sodium benzoate (32.15); octanoic (10.33); propionic (3); succinic (4.95); 0.39 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (26.7); 0.39 6.25 acetic (3.61); calcium formate (11.96); fumaric (22.2); sodium benzoate (47.9); octanoic (2.69); propionic (1.15); succinic (21.89); valeric (2.28); 0.39 5.00 sorbic (14.32); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.46); 0.39 3.13 fumaric (22.32); lactic (3.99); succinic (24.67); 0.39 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (2.61); 0.39 1.56 fumaric (2.19); lactic (3.51); octanoic (0.92); succinic (7.95); 0.39 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (2.62); 0.39 0.39 fumaric (2.74); 0.20 200.00 sodium benzoate (2.56); 0.20 100.00 calcium formate (20.57); formic (0.17); sodium benzoate (1.59); octanoic (36.61); propionic (0.09); succinic (0.12); 0.20 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.46); 0.20 50.00 calcium formate (7.43); sodium benzoate (1.83); octanoic (35.49); 0.20 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.3); 0.20 25.00 calcium formate (16.97); fumaric (0.01); sodium benzoate (6.78); octanoic (35.68); 0.20 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.49); 0.20 12.50 acetic (6.73); formic + acetic + propionic (7.73); calcium formate (12.04); fumaric (9.3); sodium benzoate (26.85); octanoic (12.79); propionic (7.87); succinic (5.99); valeric (0.34); 0.20 10.00 sorbic (6.68); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.84); 0.20 6.25 acetic (13.5); butyric (8.01); calcium formate (2.71); fumaric (26.33); lactic (1.7); sodium benzoate (16.89); octanoic (7.85); propionic (13.71); succinic (21.82); valeric (22.76); 0.20 5.00 sorbic (18.46); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.01); 0.20 3.13 acetic (4.77); fumaric (18); lactic (1.97); octanoic (6.93); succinic (19.52); valeric (0.09); 0.20 2.50 benzoic (24.27); sorbic (7.8); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (3.51); 0.20 1.56 formic (0.78); fumaric (1.18); lactic (1.12); octanoic (4.06); butyric (4.11); valeric (6.19); 0.20 1.25 sorbic (4.9); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.9); 0.20 0.63 sorbic (3.53); 0.20 0.39 fumaric (6.01); 0.20 0.31 benzoic (2.74); sorbic (2.77); 0.20 0.16 sorbic (3.17);

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Shigella sonnei ATCC 29930, I virulent, WDCM 00127, CECT 4887 (DSMZ 5570) upon treatment with different concentrations of SHP in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). SHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 100.00 propionic (0.26); pyruvic (0.47); valeric (0.35); 100.00 50.00 butyric (0.53); pyruvic (1.58); 100.00 25.00 butyric (1.23); lactic (0.17); pyruvic (2); 100.00 12.50 butyric (3.36); citric (3.93); propionic (0.71); pyruvic (7.81); succinic (2.7); 100.00 6.25 citric (5.59); propionic (13.75); 100.00 5.00 benzoic (9.8); 100.00 3.13 citric (7.2); lactic (5.55); propionic (2.46); 100.00 2.50 benzoic (0); 100.00 1.56 lactic (2.01); 100.00 1.25 benzoic (5.35); 100.00 0.31 benzoic (4.1); 50.00 100.00 butyric (0.7); propionic (0.35); pyruvic (0.64); 50.00 50.00 pyruvic (0.55); 50.00 25.00 butyric (1.23); pyruvic (1.09); 50.00 12.50 butyric (3.22); citric (3.96); propionic (1.69); 50.00 6.25 citric (2.62); propionic (20.38); 50.00 5.00 benzoic (1.72); 50.00 3.13 citric (2.48); lactic (1.31); propionic (0.03); 50.00 1.56 lactic (2.16); pyruvic (1.04); 50.00 1.25 benzoic (0.64); 50.00 0.31 benzoic (1.05); 25.00 100.00 butyric (0.04); propionic (0.09); pyruvic (0.65); 25.00 50.00 butyric (0.09); pyruvic (1.01); 25.00 25.00 pyruvic (0.78); 25.00 12.50 butyric (0.89); citric (1.98); 25.00 6.25 propionic (15.47); pyruvic (1.63); 25.00 1.56 lactic (2.01); pyruvic (6.28); 25.00 1.25 benzoic (6.29); 25.00 0.63 benzoic (1.77); 25.00 0.31 benzoic (1.37); 12.50 100.00 pyruvic (0.04); 12.50 50.00 propionic (0.18); pyruvic (1.47); 12.50 25.00 citric (0.14); 12.50 12.50 citric (5.38); propionic (1.55); 12.50 6.25 citric (4.56); propionic (10.9); 12.50 3.13 citric (10.86); octanoic (0.1); 12.50 1.56 lactic (3.34); octanoic (2.6); pyruvic (3.47); 12.50 1.25 benzoic (6.86); 12.50 0.63 benzoic (3.98); 12.50 0.31 benzoic (4.69); 6.25 100.00 butyric (0.39); pyruvic (0.36); 6.25 50.00 butyric (0.03); 6.25 25.00 butyric (0.06); 6.25 12.50 citric (4.01); 6.25 6.25 octanoic (2.59); propionic (4.13); 6.25 3.13 citric (2.27); octanoic (4.65); pyruvic (3.76); 6.25 1.56 lactic (2.01); octanoic (3.75); valeric (2.97); 6.25 1.25 benzoic (6.47); 6.25 0.63 benzoic (2.1); 6.25 0.31 sorbic (3.85); 3.13 50.00 butyric (0.06); pyruvic (0.15); 3.13 25.00 butyric (0.45); pyruvic (0.46); 3.13 12.50 citric (4.23); 3.13 6.25 propionic (8.62); 3.13 3.13 citric (1.62); 3.13 1.56 lactic (0.75); 3.13 1.25 benzoic (3.5); 3.13 0.63 sorbic (2.72); 3.13 0.31 sorbic (7.91); 3.13 0.16 sorbic (6.36); 1.56 100.00 pyruvic (0.09); valeric (0.3); 1.56 25.00 butyric (0.71); pyruvic (0.29); 1.56 12.50 citric (3.78); 1.56 6.25 propionic (10.39); 1.56 3.13 citric (7.5); lactic (1.93); octanoic (0.95); 1.56 1.56 octanoic (1.45); 1.56 1.25 benzoic (3.11); 1.56 0.63 benzoic (1.26); 0.78 100.00 butyric (0.2); formic (0.07); pyruvic (0.01); 0.78 50.00 pyruvic (0.27); 0.78 25.00 butyric (0.06); pyruvic (0.25); 0.78 12.50 citric (4.1); 0.78 6.25 lactic (6.27); octanoic (2.52); propionic (2.51); 0.78 3.13 citric (3.33); lactic (8.29); octanoic (3.81); pyruvic (0.15); 0.78 1.56 citric (2.05); lactic (11.92); octanoic (5.55); valeric (4.79); 0.78 1.25 benzoic (6.82); 0.78 0.63 benzoic (3.23); 0.78 0.31 benzoic (1.59); 0.39 100.00 butyric (0.38); formic (0.31); octanoic (1.67); pyruvic (0.48); 0.39 50.00 formic (0.37); pyruvic (0.3); 0.39 25.00 butyric (0.1); 0.39 12.50 citric (1.22); octanoic (6.33); propionic (0.05); 0.39 6.25 citric (0.51); lactic (4.7); octanoic (10.88); valeric (1.03); 0.39 5.00 benzoic (2.26); 0.39 3.13 citric (5.49); lactic (20.35); octanoic (9.99); 0.39 1.56 lactic (3.63); octanoic (8.91); 0.39 1.25 benzoic (2.15); 0.20 100.00 butyric (0.75); pyruvic (1.22); 0.20 50.00 formic (0); pyruvic (0.73); 0.20 25.00 butyric (0.23); pyruvic (0.54); 0.20 12.50 octanoic (3.12); propionic (0.61); 0.20 6.25 lactic (6.52); octanoic (4.22); 0.20 3.13 citric (4.8); lactic (1.26); octanoic (9.98); 0.20 2.50 benzoic (18.5); 0.20 1.56 lactic (0.08); octanoic (6.77); 0.20 1.25 benzoic (24.49); 0.20 0.63 benzoic (10.39); 0.20 0.31 benzoic (11.98); sorbic (0.29);

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Shigella sonnei ATCC 29930, I virulent, WDCM 00127, CECT 4887 (DSMZ 5570) upon treatment with different concentrations of PHP in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). PHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 100.00 acetic (1.37); octanoic (16.32); propionic (0.09); succinic (0.51); valeric (0.65); 100.00 50.00 acetic (0.37); formic (0.11); octanoic (21.3); succinic (0.62); 100.00 25.00 acetic (0.57); butyric (0.32); octanoic (13.6); succinic (0.55); valeric (0.31); 100.00 12.50 acetic (14.08); butyric (0.5); formic (7.12); fumaric (17.84); octanoic (3.19); propionic (6.38); succinic (24.43); 100.00 10.00 sorbic (7.51); 100.00 6.25 formic (7.03); fumaric (29.1); octanoic (7.69); propionic (4.26); succinic (67.99); 100.00 5.00 sorbic (8.39); 100.00 3.13 acetic (19.88); fumaric (22.28); octanoic (3.81); succinic (8.06); 100.00 2.50 sorbic (12.57); 100.00 1.56 fumaric (21.68); octanoic (13.75); 100.00 1.25 sorbic (21.83); 100.00 0.78 fumaric (28.64); 100.00 0.63 sorbic (16.11); 100.00 0.39 fumaric (27.39); 100.00 0.31 sorbic (14.33); 100.00 0.16 sorbic (12.73); 50.00 100.00 acetic (0.25); formic (0.67); octanoic (23.64); succinic (0.63); 50.00 50.00 octanoic (39.01); succinic (0.73); 50.00 25.00 butyric (0.54); octanoic (27.08); 50.00 12.50 acetic (12.32); butyric (1.99); formic (12.44); fumaric (21.12); octanoic (9.7); propionic (4.75); succinic (26.53); valeric (0.01); 50.00 6.25 formic (20.87); fumaric (33.45); octanoic (14.61); succinic (83.95); 50.00 5.00 sorbic (8.12); 50.00 3.13 formic (20.89); fumaric (27.83); octanoic (13.02); succinic (30.05); 50.00 2.50 sorbic (8.24); 50.00 1.56 formic (24.55); fumaric (25.21); octanoic (29.92); succinic (24.2); 50.00 0.78 fumaric (31.61); 50.00 0.63 sorbic (18.25); 50.00 0.31 sorbic (22.33); 50.00 0.16 sorbic (32.06); 25.00 100.00 octanoic (26.47); succinic (0.54); valeric (0.32); 25.00 50.00 octanoic (43.77); valeric (0.37); 25.00 25.00 octanoic (30.87); succinic (0.33); valeric (0.05); 25.00 12.50 acetic (6.31); butyric (0.19); formic (10.57); fumaric (21.63); octanoic (15.85); propionic (5.25); succinic (31.81); 25.00 10.00 sorbic (1.59); 25.00 6.25 formic (7.18); fumaric (28.27); octanoic (21.24); succinic (85.59); 25.00 5.00 sorbic (11.97); 25.00 3.13 fumaric (26.58); octanoic (28.3); succinic (66.87); 25.00 2.50 sorbic (21.47); 25.00 1.56 acetic (3.81); formic (25.19); fumaric (22.36); octanoic (35.62); succinic (37.81); 25.00 0.78 fumaric (32.06); 25.00 0.39 fumaric (30.78); 25.00 0.16 sorbic (47.35); 12.50 100.00 formic (0.1); octanoic (25.54); succinic (0.68); 12.50 50.00 octanoic (44.85); succinic (0.32); valeric (0.16); 12.50 25.00 octanoic (27.79); 12.50 12.50 acetic (7.07); formic (8.65); fumaric (22); octanoic (13.95); propionic (5.06); succinic (30.45); 12.50 6.25 formic (42.89); fumaric (33.22); octanoic (19.33); succinic (105.47); 12.50 5.00 sorbic (20.04); 12.50 3.13 acetic (3.2); formic (6.83); fumaric (31.1); octanoic (25.55); succinic (38.2); 12.50 2.50 sorbic (14.91); 12.50 1.56 acetic (12.77); fumaric (28.23); octanoic (37.76); succinic (41.98); 12.50 0.78 fumaric (37.13); 12.50 0.63 sorbic (28.69); 12.50 0.39 fumaric (40.24); 12.50 0.31 sorbic (28.68); 12.50 0.16 sorbic (23.66); 6.25 100.00 octanoic (29.68); succinic (1.34); valeric (0.17); 6.25 50.00 octanoic (46.11); succinic (0.55); 6.25 25.00 octanoic (35.28); succinic (0.61); 6.25 12.50 acetic (5.12); formic (6.78); fumaric (24.69); octanoic (16.29); propionic (4.52); succinic (36.83); valeric (0.92); 6.25 10.00 sorbic (6.34); 6.25 6.25 acetic (2.13); formic (40.7); fumaric (34.03); octanoic (24.51); propionic (3.02); succinic (89.84); 6.25 5.00 sorbic (32.85); 6.25 3.13 acetic (13.66); butyric (3.24); fumaric (30.5); octanoic (36.02); succinic (88.87); 6.25 2.50 sorbic (24.21); 6.25 1.56 acetic (28.99); butyric (6.02); fumaric (23.84); octanoic (40.4); succinic (93.75); 6.25 1.25 sorbic (21.74); 6.25 0.78 fumaric (47.31); 6.25 0.63 sorbic (51.86); 6.25 0.39 fumaric (50.67); 6.25 0.31 sorbic (19.09); 6.25 0.16 sorbic (86.92); 3.13 100.00 octanoic (20.04); succinic (0.71); valeric (0.56); 3.13 50.00 octanoic (33.34); succinic (0.82); 3.13 25.00 octanoic (19.33); 3.13 12.50 acetic (4.13); formic (6.55); fumaric (25.61); octanoic (4.25); propionic (5.81); succinic (33.76); valeric (0.26); 3.13 10.00 sorbic (4.57); 3.13 6.25 acetic (2.5); formic (21.1); fumaric (30.65); octanoic (7.9); succinic (112.96); 3.13 5.00 sorbic (35.36); 3.13 3.13 acetic (28.91); butyric (0.45); fumaric (23.98); octanoic (31.04); propionic (2.88); succinic (113.97); 3.13 2.50 sorbic (42.34); 3.13 1.56 acetic (25.51); butyric (2.68); fumaric (36.15); octanoic (30.54); propionic (1.37); succinic (99.92); 3.13 1.25 sorbic (36.58); 3.13 0.78 fumaric (50.43); 3.13 0.63 sorbic (34.59); 3.13 0.39 fumaric (55.42); 3.13 0.31 sorbic (26.7); 3.13 0.16 sorbic (92.17); 1.56 100.00 octanoic (26.5); 1.56 50.00 octanoic (46.08); 1.56 25.00 octanoic (26.92); succinic (0.77); 1.56 12.50 acetic (5.04); formic (6.54); fumaric (26.14); octanoic (3.35); propionic (6.68); succinic (31.53); 1.56 6.25 acetic (3.34); formic (9.3); fumaric (32.58); octanoic (22.42); propionic (2.14); succinic (103.3); 1.56 5.00 sorbic (14.96); 1.56 3.13 acetic (21.63); butyric (4.02); fumaric (26.49); octanoic (31.95); propionic (2.91); succinic (9.58); 1.56 2.50 sorbic (19.44); 1.56 1.56 acetic (26.45); butyric (2.32); fumaric (39.5); propionic (7.82); succinic (98.08); 1.56 0.78 fumaric (48.14); 1.56 0.63 sorbic (3.58); 1.56 0.39 fumaric (49.89); 1.56 0.16 sorbic (65.52); 0.78 100.00 octanoic (34.45); succinic (0.93); valeric (0.06); 0.78 50.00 octanoic (48.89); succinic (0.56); 0.78 25.00 octanoic (33.31); succinic (1.23); 0.78 12.50 acetic (5.03); formic (5.55); fumaric (26.3); octanoic (12.79); propionic (6.41); succinic (33.1); 0.78 6.25 formic (18.83); fumaric (34.23); octanoic (30.03); propionic (1.8); succinic (113.35); 0.78 5.00 sorbic (18.69); 0.78 3.13 acetic (23.59); butyric (6.35); fumaric (31.61); octanoic (41.87); propionic (3.96); succinic (114.86); 0.78 2.50 sorbic (23.26); 0.78 1.56 acetic (25.56); butyric (5.89); fumaric (40.2); propionic (6.59); succinic (101); 0.78 0.78 fumaric (48.66); 0.78 0.39 fumaric (50.68); 0.78 0.31 sorbic (42.24); 0.78 0.16 sorbic (53.08); 0.39 100.00 formic (0.01); octanoic (27.09); valeric (0.2); 0.39 50.00 octanoic (44.72); succinic (0.31); 0.39 25.00 octanoic (30.42); succinic (0.45); 0.39 12.50 acetic (7.27); formic (4.32); fumaric (23.41); octanoic (10.33); propionic (11.14); succinic (32.13); valeric (0.57); 0.39 6.25 formic (26.23); fumaric (38.94); octanoic (11.13); propionic (2.79); succinic (36.73); 0.39 5.00 sorbic (22.04); 0.39 3.13 acetic (27.58); butyric (5.93); fumaric (34.29); octanoic (41.91); propionic (8.26); succinic (18.85); 0.39 2.50 sorbic (34.8); 0.39 1.56 acetic (23.13); butyric (1.86); fumaric (42.25); propionic (11.58); succinic (77.71); 0.39 0.78 fumaric (52.88); 0.39 0.63 sorbic (13.74); 0.39 0.39 fumaric (55.06); 0.39 0.31 sorbic (1.46); 0.39 0.16 sorbic (56); 0.20 100.00 octanoic (37.3); succinic (1.43); valeric (0.39); 0.20 50.00 octanoic (66.52); succinic (0.46); 0.20 25.00 octanoic (49.47); succinic (0.06); 0.20 12.50 acetic (9.36); fumaric (35.96); octanoic (19.6); propionic (11.4); succinic (32); valeric (3.28); 0.20 6.25 acetic (7.22); butyric (9.37); formic (36.1); fumaric (48.52); octanoic (26.98); propionic (4.89); succinic (73.04); valeric (3.41); 0.20 5.00 sorbic (11.72); 0.20 3.13 acetic (27.47); butyric (15.95); fumaric (54.76); octanoic (69.52); propionic (1.27); succinic (67.04); 0.20 2.50 sorbic (38.81); 0.20 1.56 butyric (10.22); fumaric (40.55); butyric (49.26); 0.20 0.78 fumaric (69.17); 0.20 0.63 sorbic (3.69); 0.20 0.39 fumaric (86.39); 0.20 0.16 sorbic (39.15);

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Clostridium perfringens (CCUG 47895; type A as described in Johansson et al. 2004. Vet Microbiol. 99(3-4): 251-257) upon treatment with different concentrations of SHP in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). SHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.4); 100.00 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.2); formic (6.84); 100.00 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.57); sodium benzoate (6.07); propionic (5.02); 100.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.19); 100.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (0.15); formic (10.04); sodium benzoate (13.17); 100.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (24.89); 100.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (3.76); sodium benzoate (3.6); 100.00 3.13 propionic (33.28); 100.00 1.56 formic (0.26); propionic (38.56); 100.00 1.25 benzoic (0); 50.00 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.1); 50.00 200.00 sodium benzoate (0.2); 50.00 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.02); 50.00 50.00 formic (10.46); sodium benzoate (2.49); 50.00 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.17); 50.00 25.00 calcium formate (3.26); sodium benzoate (16.56); propionic (0.28); 50.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.48); 50.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (2.63); sodium benzoate (18.96); 50.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (33.58); 50.00 6.25 calcium formate (3.43); sodium benzoate (34.39); 50.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.68); 50.00 3.13 propionic (7.52); 50.00 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (34.9); 50.00 1.56 acetic (22.41); propionic (1.79); 50.00 0.63 benzoic (7.21); 25.00 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.07); 25.00 200.00 sodium benzoate (0.44); 25.00 100.00 formic (2.97); sodium benzoate (0.24); propionic (2.5); 25.00 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.1); 25.00 50.00 formic (12.2); sodium benzoate (2.09); propionic (1.62); 25.00 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.57); 25.00 25.00 calcium formate (2.36); sodium benzoate (17.78); propionic (21.83); 25.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (10.4); 25.00 12.50 formic (36.12); sodium benzoate (28.38); propionic (4.91); 25.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (44.66); 25.00 6.25 formic (3.4); sodium benzoate (11.66); 25.00 3.13 formic (44.01); propionic (58.57); 25.00 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (29.36); 25.00 1.56 formic (46.87); propionic (37.93); 12.50 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.1); 12.50 200.00 calcium formate (3.49); sodium benzoate (0.45); 12.50 100.00 formic (3.35); sodium benzoate (0.41); propionic (0.05); 12.50 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.23); 12.50 50.00 formic (22.58); sodium benzoate (2.85); 12.50 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.79); 12.50 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.21); sodium benzoate (17.82); propionic (13.33); 12.50 20.00 benzoic (1.66); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (3.08); 12.50 12.50 formic (10.94); sodium benzoate (10.83); 12.50 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (49.6); 12.50 6.25 formic (0.68); sodium benzoate (29.58); propionic (7.21); 12.50 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (10.13); 12.50 3.13 propionic (7.83); 12.50 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (46.89); 12.50 1.56 formic (11.83); 12.50 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (22.94); 6.25 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.36); 6.25 200.00 calcium formate (18.56); sodium benzoate (0.49); 6.25 100.00 formic (2.34); sodium benzoate (0.47); propionic (6.11); 6.25 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.41); 6.25 50.00 formic (12.41); sodium benzoate (2.44); propionic (3.59); 6.25 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.47); 6.25 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.11); calcium formate (7.53); sodium benzoate (6.87); propionic (41.61); 6.25 20.00 benzoic (6.22); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.49); 6.25 12.50 acetic (5.54); formic (43.92); sodium benzoate (4.85); propionic (31.22); 6.25 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (28.19); 6.25 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (4.96); calcium formate (9.52); formic (3.66); sodium benzoate (19.68); propionic (12); 6.25 5.00 benzoic (9.14); 6.25 3.13 formic (24.7); propionic (48.14); 6.25 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (23.85); 6.25 1.56 propionic (11.59); 3.13 200.00 calcium formate (11.88); 3.13 100.00 calcium formate (2.44); formic (1.61); propionic (2.83); 3.13 50.00 formic (16.83); propionic (1.35); 3.13 25.00 calcium formate (3.75); propionic (32.93); 3.13 20.00 benzoic (5.44); 3.13 12.50 formic (1.98); propionic (7.85); 3.13 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (11.28); 3.13 6.25 formic (29.22); propionic (24.49); 3.13 5.00 benzoic (28.07); 3.13 3.13 formic (33.97); propionic (30.77); 3.13 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (26.76); 3.13 1.56 formic (3.15); propionic (24.52); 3.13 1.25 benzoic (6.79); 1.56 200.00 calcium formate (11.73); 1.56 100.00 acetic (0.04); formic (3.84); propionic (5.11); 1.56 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.42); 1.56 50.00 formic (19.35); propionic (4.03); 1.56 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.34); 1.56 25.00 calcium formate (13.6); propionic (33.5); 1.56 20.00 benzoic (4.85); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (10.35); 1.56 12.50 acetic (3.87); formic (28.96); 1.56 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (30.73); 1.56 6.25 calcium formate (8.24); formic (0.04); propionic (37.52); 1.56 5.00 benzoic (1.14); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.53); 1.56 3.13 acetic (12.37); formic (35.96); propionic (71.87); 1.56 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (29.83); 1.56 1.56 propionic (56.35); 0.78 200.00 calcium formate (9.24); 0.78 100.00 calcium formate (1.97); formic (2.9); 0.78 50.00 formic (18.35); 0.78 25.00 calcium formate (3.71); 0.78 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.39); 0.78 12.50 formic (18.13); 0.78 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (32.22); 0.78 6.25 calcium formate (6.73); 0.78 5.00 benzoic (6.38); 0.78 1.56 formic (2.63); 0.39 200.00 calcium formate (3.52); 0.39 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.18); formic (2.32); propionic (0.86); 0.39 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.09); 0.39 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.12); calcium formate (2.23); formic (19.62); propionic (0.53); 0.39 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.3); 0.39 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.52); propionic (5.36); 0.39 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.95); 0.39 12.50 acetic (1.32); formic (1.42); 0.39 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (21.87); 0.39 6.25 calcium formate (0.47); 0.39 5.00 benzoic (41.37); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.36); 0.39 3.13 acetic (26.67); propionic (17.45); 0.39 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (32.09); 0.39 1.56 formic (8.53); 0.39 0.63 benzoic (0.5); 0.20 200.00 calcium formate (4.06); 0.20 100.00 acetic (1.65); formic + acetic + propionic (0.48); calcium formate (5.09); propionic (0.36); 0.20 50.00 acetic (0.23); formic + acetic + propionic (0.71); calcium formate (3.09); formic (12.71); sodium benzoate (0.23); propionic (0.56); 0.20 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.67); calcium formate (12.7); 0.20 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.25); 0.20 12.50 acetic (7.26); formic + acetic + propionic (4.31); 0.20 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.5); 0.20 6.25 formic (3.55); 0.20 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.48); 0.20 3.13 acetic (7.24); 0.20 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (21.04);

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Clostridium perfringens (CCUG 47895; type A as described in Johansson et al. 2004. Vet Microbiol. 99(3-4): 251-257) upon treatment with different concentrations of MHP in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). MHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.82); 100.00 200.00 sodium benzoate (1.1); 100.00 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (1.78); calcium formate (15.12); sodium benzoate (1.41); 100.00 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (3.78); 100.00 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (2.01); calcium formate (3.05); sodium benzoate (3.1); 100.00 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (3.51); 100.00 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (2.03); sodium benzoate (25.13); 100.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (16.84); 100.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (9.51); calcium formate (1.62); sodium benzoate (47.07); 100.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (15.83); 100.00 6.25 sodium benzoate (44.55); 100.00 5.00 benzoic (1.82); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (50.52); 100.00 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (26.75); 100.00 1.56 propionic (9.65); 100.00 1.25 benzoic (37.42); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (33.01); 100.00 0.63 benzoic (23.55); 100.00 0.31 benzoic (21.48); 50.00 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.19); 50.00 200.00 sodium benzoate (0.37); 50.00 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (1.22); calcium formate (12.49); formic (2.84); sodium benzoate (0.68); 50.00 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.65); 50.00 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (1.65); calcium formate (23.52); sodium benzoate (2.59); 50.00 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.65); 50.00 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (1.72); calcium formate (6.53); formic (1.81); sodium benzoate (21.49); 50.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.16); 50.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (2.51); calcium formate (10.82); sodium benzoate (40.43); 50.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (15); 50.00 6.25 sodium benzoate (33.67); 50.00 5.00 benzoic (2.28); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (24.6); 50.00 1.56 propionic (13.59); 50.00 1.25 benzoic (42.17); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.54); 50.00 0.63 benzoic (9.23); 50.00 0.31 benzoic (4.22); 25.00 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.15); 25.00 200.00 sodium benzoate (0.77); 25.00 100.00 calcium formate (3.54); sodium benzoate (0.98); propionic (8.53); 25.00 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.35); 25.00 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.71); calcium formate (3.48); sodium benzoate (2.79); propionic (23.64); 25.00 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.91); 25.00 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.75); sodium benzoate (27.17); propionic (13.4); 25.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.87); 25.00 12.50 calcium formate (7.43); sodium benzoate (48.37); propionic (34.98); 25.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.55); 25.00 6.25 calcium formate (17.15); sodium benzoate (32.59); propionic (38.72); 25.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.46); 25.00 3.13 propionic (32.77); 25.00 2.50 benzoic (7.58); 25.00 1.56 propionic (81.18); 25.00 1.25 benzoic (13.1); 25.00 0.63 benzoic (5.37); 25.00 0.31 benzoic (15.9); 12.50 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.11); 12.50 200.00 calcium formate (0.54); sodium benzoate (0.55); 12.50 100.00 calcium formate (1.02); sodium benzoate (0.8); 12.50 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.52); 12.50 50.00 acetic (3.23); formic + acetic + propionic (0.51); sodium benzoate (2.66); propionic (2.44); 12.50 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.64); 12.50 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.29); sodium benzoate (25.16); 12.50 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (10.27); 12.50 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (4.06); calcium formate (4.8); sodium benzoate (36.95); 12.50 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (27.52); 12.50 6.25 calcium formate (15.13); sodium benzoate (28.89); 12.50 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (39.83); 12.50 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (35.13); 12.50 1.25 benzoic (11.13); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (20.05); 12.50 0.63 benzoic (20.22); 12.50 0.31 benzoic (10.35); 6.25 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.51); 6.25 200.00 calcium formate (2.6); sodium benzoate (0.57); 6.25 100.00 acetic (4.01); formic + acetic + propionic (0.8); formic (1.4); sodium benzoate (0.87); propionic (24.27); 6.25 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.98); 6.25 50.00 acetic (8.74); formic + acetic + propionic (1.24); formic (0.31); sodium benzoate (1.08); propionic (41.78); 6.25 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.78); 6.25 25.00 acetic (23.77); formic + acetic + propionic (1.51); calcium formate (1.07); sodium benzoate (23.56); propionic (65.38); 6.25 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.59); 6.25 12.50 acetic (17.4); formic + acetic + propionic (5.96); sodium benzoate (25.38); propionic (71.12); 6.25 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (21.06); 6.25 6.25 calcium formate (2.44); formic (1.61); sodium benzoate (25.06); propionic (24.02); 6.25 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (15.63); 6.25 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (34.08); formic (19.77); propionic (4.64); 6.25 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (17.25); 6.25 1.56 propionic (84.83); 6.25 1.25 benzoic (7.69); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.4); 6.25 0.63 benzoic (7.07); 6.25 0.31 benzoic (10.48); 3.13 100.00 acetic (0.53); formic + acetic + propionic (0.48); calcium formate (4.52); 3.13 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.77); 3.13 50.00 acetic (3.54); formic + acetic + propionic (0.85 propionic (7.35); 3.13 40.00 ); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.69); 3.13 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.72); sodium benzoate (3.46); 3.13 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (12.13); 3.13 5.00 benzoic (3.59); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.83); 3.13 3.13 acetic (0.69); 3.13 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.05); 3.13 1.56 formic + acetic + propionic (2.61); propionic (1.31); 3.13 1.25 benzoic (21.91); 3.13 0.63 benzoic (28.9); 3.13 0.31 benzoic (2.16); 1.56 200.00 calcium formate (1.57); 1.56 100.00 acetic (0.32); formic + acetic + propionic (0.27); calcium formate (2.37); 1.56 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.4); 1.56 50.00 acetic (4.33); formic + acetic + propionic (0.61); 1.56 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (1.09); 1.56 25.00 acetic (6); formic + acetic + propionic (0.67); 1.56 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (12.53); 1.56 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.8); 1.56 6.25 calcium formate (15.93); 1.56 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (47.91); 1.56 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (28.59); 1.56 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.75); 0.78 200.00 calcium formate (1.34); 0.78 100.00 acetic (0.07); calcium formate (9.53); propionic (19.18); 0.78 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.21); 0.78 50.00 acetic (3.61); formic + acetic + propionic (0.24); propionic (35.64); 0.78 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.28); 0.78 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.14); calcium formate (0.18); sodium benzoate (5.2); propionic (38.97); 0.78 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (2.88); 0.78 12.50 propionic (76.58); 0.78 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (12.84); 0.78 6.25 calcium formate (5.08); propionic (11.83); 0.78 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (21.63); 0.78 1.56 propionic (53.67); 0.78 1.25 benzoic (21.2); 0.78 0.63 benzoic (15.51); 0.78 0.31 benzoic (3.53); 0.39 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.28); calcium formate (0.92); formic (0.06); propionic (18.75); 0.39 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.64); 0.39 50.00 acetic (1.62); formic + acetic + propionic (0.83); propionic (36.68); 0.39 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.57); 0.39 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (1.01); propionic (57.42); 0.39 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.65); 0.39 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (7);propionic (76.38); 0.39 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (12.74); 0.39 6.25 calcium formate (0.18); 0.39 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (47.73); 0.39 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (3.52); propionic (26.72); 0.39 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (20.34); 0.39 1.56 formic + acetic + propionic (0.77); propionic (68.09); 0.39 0.63 benzoic (15.9); 0.20 100.00 acetic (1.73); calcium formate (14.7); propionic (0.84); 0.20 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.49); 0.20 50.00 acetic (4.66); formic + acetic + propionic (0.63); calcium formate (9.64); propionic (16.34); 0.20 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.72); 0.20 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.35); sodium benzoate (8.11); 0.20 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.9); 0.20 12.50 acetic (11.43); propionic (20.35); 0.20 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (18.15); 0.20 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (5.41); calcium formate (1.77); 0.20 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (27.7); 0.20 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (2.68); 0.20 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.55); 0.20 1.56 formic + acetic + propionic (2.75); propionic (6.85); 0.20 1.25 benzoic (6.94); 0.20 0.63 benzoic (24.72);

TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Synergistic inhibition of microbial growth of Clostridium perfringens (CCUG 47895; type A as described in Johansson et al. 2004. Vet Microbiol. 99(3-4): 251-257) upon treatment with different concentrations of PHP in combination with different concentrations of organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof. In the details column, the tested organic acid(s) or salt(s) thereof is indicated followed by the observed S value in brackets. Individual experimental results are separated by semicolon(s). PHP acid/salt mM mM details 100.00 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.8); 100.00 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.49); 100.00 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.71); calcium formate (16.03); sodium benzoate (0.01); 100.00 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.41); 100.00 25.00 acetic (1.31); formic + acetic + propionic (0.69); 100.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.99); 100.00 12.50 sodium benzoate (4.63); 100.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (2.55); sodium benzoate (3.55); propionic (1.64); 100.00 3.13 acetic (16.07); 100.00 1.56 acetic (24.61); 50.00 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.6); sodium benzoate (0.05); 50.00 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.17); 50.00 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.86); calcium formate (8.16); 50.00 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.38); 50.00 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.84); 50.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (11.18); 50.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (29.6); sodium benzoate (9.7); 50.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (21.39); 50.00 3.13 acetic (4.42); 50.00 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.24); 50.00 1.56 acetic (12.45); formic (18.84); 50.00 0.31 benzoic (17.76); 25.00 400.00 sodium benzoate (0.01); 25.00 200.00 sodium benzoate (0.11); 25.00 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.09); calcium formate (7.41); sodium benzoate (0.3); 25.00 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.37); calcium formate (3.87); sodium benzoate (1.95); 25.00 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0); 25.00 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.43); sodium benzoate (5.93); 25.00 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.98); 25.00 12.50 formic + acetic + propionic (2.47); 25.00 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (13.82); 25.00 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (10.3); sodium benzoate (24.65); 25.00 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (3.42); 25.00 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (15.29); 25.00 1.56 formic (21.82); propionic (4.06); 12.50 200.00 sodium benzoate (0.39); 12.50 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.08); calcium formate (12.39); formic (2.39); 12.50 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.33); calcium formate (4.4); formic (1.36); sodium benzoate (1.8); 12.50 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.04); 12.50 25.00 acetic (21.11); formic + acetic + propionic (0.19); sodium benzoate (2.62); 12.50 20.00 benzoic (0.86); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (10.49); 12.50 12.50 sodium benzoate (1.37); 12.50 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.25); 12.50 6.25 acetic (21.49); formic + acetic + propionic (5.2);formic (8.47); sodium benzoate (24.85); 12.50 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (7.61); 12.50 3.13 acetic (22.13); 12.50 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.93); 12.50 1.56 acetic (8.26); formic + acetic + propionic (14.9); 12.50 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (14.07); 12.50 0.31 benzoic (1.9); 6.25 400.00 calcium formate (3.13); sodium benzoate (0.09); 6.25 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.3); formic (2); propionic (1.51); 6.25 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.38); calcium formate (1.84); formic (1.71); 6.25 25.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.31); propionic (7.65); 6.25 20.00 benzoic (0.85); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (11.29); 6.25 12.50 formic (7.96); propionic (1.97); 6.25 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (2.12); 6.25 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (5.73); sodium benzoate (10.41); propionic (4.6); 6.25 5.00 benzoic (2.59); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (3.84); 6.25 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (14.29); propionic (37.32); 6.25 2.50 benzoic (2.39); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (18.9); 6.25 1.56 acetic (34.4); formic + acetic + propionic (5.11 formic (38.2); 6.25 1.25 ); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (14.76); 3.13 100.00 calcium formate (10.91); formic (6.74); propionic (2.02); 3.13 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.02); 3.13 50.00 calcium formate (6.5); formic (4.08); 3.13 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.05); 3.13 25.00 propionic (6.88); 3.13 20.00 benzoic (1.02); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (10.57); 3.13 12.50 formic (30.05); 3.13 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.38); 3.13 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (4.35); sodium benzoate (4.59); 3.13 5.00 benzoic (2.11); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (14.08); 3.13 3.13 propionic (20.02); 3.13 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (35.36); 3.13 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (26.7); 1.56 100.00 acetic (2.03); calcium formate (10.7); 1.56 50.00 acetic (1.98); 1.56 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.11); 1.56 25.00 acetic (11.57); 1.56 20.00 benzoic (1.02); formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (11.17); 1.56 12.50 acetic (10.44); 1.56 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.24); 1.56 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (24.84); sodium benzoate (6.87); 1.56 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (21.6); 1.56 3.13 acetic (11.34); 1.56 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (37.18); 1.56 1.56 acetic (21.5); 1.56 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (24.5); 1.56 0.31 benzoic (12.23); 0.78 100.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.25); calcium formate (20.76); formic (3.62); 0.78 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.21); formic (2.75); 0.78 25.00 acetic (17.98); formic + acetic + propionic (0.21); 0.78 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (10.76); 0.78 12.50 formic (10.57); 0.78 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (19.15); propionic (26.92); 0.78 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (5.56); 0.78 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (14.4); 0.78 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (20.38); 0.78 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (6.98); 0.39 200.00 calcium formate (6.25); 0.39 100.00 acetic (2.76); calcium formate (0.3); formic (1.5); sodium benzoate (0.15); propionic (0.98); 0.39 50.00 acetic (2.18); formic (0.85); propionic (0.41); 0.39 25.00 acetic (47.27); 0.39 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (9.47); 0.39 12.50 acetic (11.32); formic + acetic + propionic (0.4); formic (5.51); 0.39 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.79); 0.39 6.25 acetic (4.83); formic + acetic + propionic (24.3); formic (8.61); 0.39 3.13 acetic (72.31); propionic (0.31); 0.39 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (13.46); 0.39 1.56 acetic (22.27); formic (13.08); 0.20 400.00 calcium formate (0.28); sodium benzoate (0.1); 0.20 200.00 sodium benzoate (0.45); 0.20 100.00 calcium formate (15.66); formic (3.09); sodium benzoate (0.41); 0.20 80.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.06); 0.20 50.00 formic + acetic + propionic (0.23); calcium formate (5.06); formic (2.04); sodium benzoate (0.4); 0.20 40.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (0.49); 0.20 25.00 acetic (17.67); formic + acetic + propionic (0.25); 0.20 20.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (12.1); 0.20 10.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (16.2); 0.20 6.25 formic + acetic + propionic (29.94); 0.20 5.00 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (8.72); 0.20 3.13 formic + acetic + propionic (6.34); 0.20 2.50 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (31.14); 0.20 1.56 formic + acetic + propionic (12.04); 0.20 1.25 formic + acetic + propionic + benzoic (4.52);

Example 2: Modulating Microbial Growth in Complex Matrices

[0101] To verify the applicability of a composition comprising one or more organic acid(s) (or salt(s) thereof) and one or more hypophosphorous acid(s) (or salt(s) thereof), compositions according to the invention were used to modulate microbial growth in a nutritional composition. As exemplary nutritional composition a typical pig feed was used (e.g. Masching et al. 2016. Toxins 8:(3):84; Schwartz-Zimmermann et al. 2018. World Mycotoxin Journal, DOI 10.3920/WMJ2017.2265). More specifically, the nutritional composition was mixed with Mueller-Hinton broth, as well as with a composition comprising organic acid and hypophosphite to a concentration of either 5 mM or 12.5 mM of organic acid and 2 mM of sodium hypophosphite or magnesium hypophosphite or manganese hypophosphite or potassium hypophoshite. Then, a mid-to-late exponential culture of E. coli was added to a final inoculant density of 5*105 cfu/mL. To create anaerobic conditions an enzymatic system suitable for removing oxygen from a media (e.g. Oxyrase by Sigma-Aldrich; Spangler et al. 1993. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 31 (2): 460-462) was added to the vessels and the mixtures were flushed with nitrogen and kept anaerobic and at 37 C. for the course of the experiment. Regularly throughout the incubation, 5 mL samples were drawn from the vessels and filtered (pore size 40 m) to exclude large particles from the nutritional composition but without removing microbial cells. The filtered samples were used to create a two-fold serial dilution in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (8 g/L NaCl, 0.2 g/L KCl, 0.2 g/L KH.sub.2PO.sub.4, 1.15 g/L Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4, pH 7.4) and 1 mL of those dilutions were used for plating on tryptone bile x-glucuronide agar (Merck) for colony counting. The prepared agar plates were incubated and E. coli colonies were counted. If necessary, dilution steps were added or reduced to allow convenient colony counting as known by a person having skill in the art.

[0102] It was found that compositions comprising one or more organic acid(s) (or salt(s) thereof) and one or more hypophosphorous acid(s) (or salt(s) thereof) were not only capable of modulating microbial growth in vitro as shown in Example 1, but also in a practical environment, i.e. in a complex matrix such as in a nutritional compositions (e.g. food or feed). Examplarily, compositions comprising 2 mM sodium hypophosphite and 5 mM benzoic acid; or comprising 2 mM sodium hypophosphite and 12.5 mM formic acid were found to lead to 97.69%; or 99.65% inhibition of E. coli growth, respectively. Notably, with regard to typical probiotic bacteria (L. reuteri, E. faecium, B. subtilis), growth inhibition is considerably lower than of potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g. E. coli, S. enterica, S. sonnei, C. perfringens)as also shown in Example 1.