Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing antimicrobial nanofilms packaging cover based on Titanium nano-dioxide through extrusion for extension of food shelf-life. The method comprises the steps of providing nano-silver and nano-clay particles which are antimicrobial agents to enhance mechanical properties of packaging in food industry; and evaluating effects of nano clay and nano silver packaging on the growth of these bacteria within 6 days of shelf life keeping at 4° C. The silver and clay nanoparticles are analyzed using AFM, SEM, FESEM, EDX, FTIR and TEM, wherein the size of clay and silver nanoparticles are measured 15 nm and 35 nm, respectively.

Abstract: An ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer composition is provided, which is resistant to coloration. The ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer composition contains: (A) an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer; (B) sorbic acid; and (C) a sorbic acid ester; wherein the sorbic acid ester (C) is present in an amount of 0.00001 to 10 ppm based on the weight of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer composition; wherein sorbic acid (B) and the sorbic acid ester (C) are present in a weight ratio (B)/(C) of 100 to 100,000.

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

Abstract: Provided by the present invention is an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin composition having superior appearance characteristics (particularly decreased coloring and unevenness of the hue), and is accompanied by suppressed occurrence of yellowing, etc., in melt molding. An ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin composition containing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) and a compound having an enediol structure (B), in which a molar ratio of the compound (B) to vinyl alcohol units of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) is 2.70×10?9 or greater and 2.70×10?5 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition having activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The composition is a) a composition comprising at least two organic acids selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid and citric acid; b) a composition comprising at least two bacteriocin selected from the group consisting of pediocin, Nisin and reuterin; c) a composition comprising pediocin and at least two organic acids selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid and citric acid; or d) a composition comprising reuterin and at least one organic acid selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid and citric acid. The present invention also relates to the use of said compositions for sanitizing and/or disinfecting surfaces and method thereof.

Abstract: A process for the recovery and production of meso-lactide from a crude lactide containing stream may include subjecting a starting crude lactide stream to a first distillation step to obtain: a top stream mainly containing meso-lactide; a bottom stream; and a side stream mainly containing L-lactide and meso-lactide. The process may include recovering the side stream and subjecting the side stream to a melt crystallization step to obtain: a first purified stream mainly containing L-lactide; and a drain stream mainly containing meso-lactide and L-lactide. The process may include recovering the top stream and drain stream, and subjecting the top stream and drain stream to a second distillation step to obtain a second purified stream containing L-lactide and meso-lactide.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions based on the synergistic combination of 2-methyl-3-isothiazolone and selected commercial microbicides where the compositions are substantially free of halogenated 3-isothiazolone, are disclosed. Particularly preferred are combinations of 2-methyl-3-isothiazolone together with benzoic acid, citric acid, sorbic acid, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, zinc pyrithione or climbazole, that provide enhanced microbicidal efficacy at a combined active ingredient level lower than that of the combined individual 3-isothiazolone and commercial microbicide effective use levels.

Abstract: A can (1), in particular for conditioning foodstuff, includes a body composed of a bottom element (2) which is prolonged by a lateral wall (3), the interior surface (9) of the body being at least in part made of tin, the tin surface (9) being partially covered with a coat of protective lacquer (10) to prevent the contact between the tin surface (9) and the foodstuff, the lacquerless tin surface, the “exposed”, being intended to come into contact with the foodstuff in order to set free the tin. The exposed tin surface is constituted of a plurality of “exposed” tin zones (11), which are separated, ones from the others, by lacquered zones (12), the exposed tin zones (11) being distributed on the height of the lateral wall (3), in particular to limit the aesthetic impact due to chemical action of the foodstuff on the exposed tin zones (11).

Abstract: The object of the invention is a liquid packaging board (1), wherein the base board (3) is provided with at least one polymeric coating layer on both sides thereof to decrease the flavor scalping from a packaged liquid, such as citrus fruit juice. Inside the baseboard, there is a layer (6) of ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer either in a direct contact with the packaged liquid or coated with a thin layer of polyolefin. The invention also relates to a closed package for liquid food that is formed from the liquid packaging board (1) by folding and seaming, wherein the side that comes in contact with the food product, correspondingly, comprises an EMA layer and, possibly, a thin polyolefin layer on top of the same. The invention further comprises the use of EMA in decreasing the flavor scalping from the packaged liquid by the packaging material.

Abstract: An all-purpose plastic laminate or wrap as for preserving food that resists penetration of fluids such as water and gases such as oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and the like. The laminate includes many different embodiments such as at least one hydrophobic outer layer that is free of any volatile corrosion inhibitors, at least one gas resistant barrier layer that can be a hydrophilic polymer, and at least one hydrophobic inner layer that contains a desired additive such as a food safe preservative or antioxidant therein. Optionally at least one tie layer is located between the outer and/or inner layer and said fluid resistant barrier layer. The laminate when applied as a wrap to a food item provides synergistic protection against fluid penetration.

Abstract: Food packaging materials are provided. In some embodiments, foam sprayable material is provided.

Abstract: An all-purpose plastic laminate or wrap as for preserving food that resists penetration of fluids such as water and gases such as oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and the like. The laminate includes many different embodiments such as at least one hydrophobic outer layer that is free of any volatile corrosion inhibitors, at least one gas resistant barrier layer that can be a hydrophilic polymer, and at least one hydrophobic inner layer that contains a desired additive such as a food safe preservative or antioxidant therein. Optionally at least one tie layer is located between the outer and/or inner layer and said fluid resistant barrier layer. The laminate when applied as a wrap to a food item provides synergistic protection against fluid penetration.

Abstract: A citrus paper application sheet treated with natural preservatives for application to exposed or cut surfaces of fruit to prevent oxidation and browning. The sheet is designed to adhere and conform to the shape of the exposed portion of the fruit once dampened and dry retaining the conformed shape. The sheet is further designed to enable it to be dispensed in selected lengths and widths or particular dimensions depending upon the fruit application further enabling the sheets to be moistened and sculpted to a desirable shape to conform to that of the exposed fruit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen scavenger/indicator which contains at least one substance with combined scavenger and indicator function for oxygen, which can absorb oxygen under the effect of moisture in basic conditions, and also to at least one basically reacting compound. The indicator effect is effected by a change in at least one physical property of the substance with combined scavenger and indicator function for oxygen, the change being triggered by the effect of moisture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the manufacture of stable lactide particles, more specifically lactide particles which are stable enough to be stored and transported at room temperature and have a quality high enough for use as starting material for polylactic acid. The lactide particles are obtained via a flaking process, comprising the contacting of a continuous flow of molten lactide with a surface on which the lactide solidifies and subsequently is removed from said surface.

Abstract: Food packaging with absorbent food pads having one or more active agents therein is disclosed. Arrangements of absorbent structures and active agents in the absorbent food pads are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food preservation system that includes a multi-phase bacterial inhibition food pad. The food pad includes absorbent media and/or material to absorb fluids emanating from the packaged food. The absorbent media/material includes one or more bacterial inhibitors that may possess bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal properties. In addition, the food pad may also include an atmosphere modification system capable of modifying an atmosphere in a food package. Optionally, one or more reaction promoters and/or one or more mechanisms to protect the food preservation system may also be included in the food pad. Overall, the food preservation system inhibits bacterial growth, thereby enhancing food preservation and/or food safety.

Abstract: A case-ready package has a support member, a lid, and an absorbent pad capable of withstanding sudden evacuation without rupture. The absorbent pad has upper and lower webs enveloping an absorbent layer, with the upper and lower webs adhered to one another around the periphery of the pad. The lower web is a permeable web comprising fiber. The fiber is preferably hydrophobic, and preferably has a hydrophilic composition thereon. The invention also pertains to a packaging process and packaged product using the absorbent pad.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food preservation system that includes a multi-phase bacterial inhibition food pad. The food pad includes absorbent media and/or material to absorb fluids emanating from the packaged food. The absorbent media/material includes one or more bacterial inhibitors that may possess bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal properties. In addition, the food pad may also include an atmosphere modification system capable of modifying an atmosphere in a food package. Optionally, one or more reaction promoters and/or one or more mechanisms to protect the food preservation system may also be included in the food pad. Overall, the food preservation system inhibits bacterial growth, thereby enhancing food preservation and/or food safety.

Abstract: A method of triggering a film containing an oxygen scavenger includes providing composition including a peroxide; and packaging the composition in a film including an oxygen scavenger; whereby the oxygen scavenger is triggered in the absence of ultraviolet light, visible light, and electron beam radiation by exposure to the peroxide or an associated enriched oxygen environment.

Abstract: A packaging system for perishable food products, especially for meat products discharging residual blood and other natural fluids, comprising a tray and an outer tray closure film spanning the perimeter of the tray, wherein the tray possesses structural features for transmission of draining fluids away from the meat product extending the shelf-life of the packaged meat while avoiding the usual “browning” appearance. Instead, the natural redness and appetizing appearance or “bloom” properties of the meat product are maintained for enhanced customer acceptance. The outer film preferably incorporates at least a sufficient amount of a biostatic and/or biocidal agent. The tray includes an elevated meat supporting porous film, and a reservoir below the porous film for collecting descending fluids. The descending fluids are managed by a series of elevations and lower channels for collection/retaining the fluids in supporting relationship with the porous film.

Abstract: A packaging material used for wrapping foodstuffs and for inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms in foodstuffs, the packaging material having a metal-ion sequestering agent capable of removing designated metals ions from the surfaces of the foodstuffs and from liquid extrudates of foodstuffs.

Abstract: A method comprises subjecting ant oxygen scavenger to actinic radiation; and then optionally storing the oxygen scavenger in a container, the container configured such that the oxygen scavenger exhibits no substantial oxygen scavenging activity while inside the container. The dosed oxygen scavenger can later be removed from the container, if stored therein, subjected to a second dose of actinic radiation to trigger the oxygen scavenger, and used in packaging oxygen sensitive products. A stored oxygen scavenger, untriggered, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and means for enhancing the inner environment of a package containing perishable merchandise include taking a closable package containing perishable merchandise and placing in the package a multi-layered sheet including a plurality of layers comprised of moisture absorbing materials to absorb any residual moisture emanating from the perishable merchandise. The multi-layered sheet includes a quantity of CO2 generating material incorporated therein. The CO2 generating material is exposable to humidity and any residual moisture within the package and any moisture absorbing material to allow the CO2 generating material to emit an atmosphere of CO2 within the package from exposure to moisture within the air in the package, and to absorb any residual moisture in the package.

Abstract: The invention relates to microbecidal films using antimicrobial polymers, their preparation and use.

Abstract: A packaging system and method of the same designed to extend the shelf-life of meat cuts comprising an activated oxygen scavenger and an absorbent pad, based on an iron chemical system, operatively positioned onto a tray. One or more trays is wrapped in a permeable film and is/are inserted into a master bag filled with a gas, namely nitrogen. The packaging system has a storage life of at least ten weeks and a display life of at least three days.

Abstract: A coming layer agent is provided which can substantially avoid water from transferring from a food substrate to a “coatings”, such as a sheet and a coating, even when the food has been freeze-preserved, and which can prevent a decrease in crispness of the “coatings” after the food has been cooked by a microwave oven. A coating layer agent composition for frozen foods to be microwave-heated, each of the foods comprising a food substrate and a “coatings”, is featured in containing an emulsifier, preferably acetylated monoglycerides and/or protein, and/or oil and fat. The composition can be used in the form of powder mixed with and adhered to silicon dioxide. In this case, the composition can contain a coating layer agent preferably in the range of 100-250 weight % for silicon dioxide, and also can contain thermo-coagulating protein.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sanitation using bacteriophage are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for sanitation using at least one bacteriophage includes the steps of (1) storing the at least one bacteriophage in a container; and (2) applying the at least one bacteriophage to a surface to be sanitized with a dispersing mechanism. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a sanitation device that dispenses at least one bacteriophage includes a container, at least one bacteriophage stored in the container, and a dispersing mechanism that disperses the at least one bacteriophage from the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to calcium double salts having good preservative properties. Said salts can be used in foods, feeds, pet food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, food-contact items, silage, brewers' spent grains, pomace, food wastes, brewers' yeast, distillation residues and other wastes from the food industry or for leather treatment. These substances exhibit a considerably extended shelf life after addition of, or treatment with, one of the calcium double salts.

Abstract: Provided is a packaged beverage, which comprises, in the dissolved form, catechins composed of the following non-polymer component (A) and another non-polymer component (B): (A) non-epi-catechins, (b) epi-catechins, and has, per 500 mL of the packaged beverage, said components in amounts satisfying the following equations: (i) (A)+(B)=460 to 2500 mg (ii) (A)=160 to 2250 mg (iii) (A)/(B)=0.54 to 9.0. The packaged beverages of the present invention are excellent in stability of color tone and transparent appearance even after long-term storage, have smooth feeling in the throat upon drinking, and have good palatability; and in addition, have PPAR-dependent gene transcription activating effects which are safe and effective for prevention and alleviation of obesity.

Abstract: Methods for controlling contamination of a food product are provided which utilize a combined treatment comprising thermal surface treatment and introduction of an antimicrobial solution to a food package prior to vacuum sealing the package.

Abstract: A method and device to inhibit non-enzymatic browning in susceptible foodstuffs, such as fruit products. An inhibitor of non-enzymatic browning is contained within a container for the foodstuff to contact the foodstuff and hence reduce, retard, or prevent browning. The inhibitor may be integral to the container or added to the container. The inhibitor may be contained within or on a support structure that is integral with, or added to, a food-contacting internal surface of the container. The foodstuff thus contained will desirably have reduced off-color, off-notes, and/or off-tastes that may be imparted by compounds associated with non-enzymatic browning.

Abstract: A humidity control device for use in maintaining a desired humidity in packages of food, the device including a protective case, a water vapor permeable pouch and a thickened saturated solution, the solution having a suitable humidity control point for use within a food container. The device further employs a combination of an oxygen scavenger system to stop mold growth with anaerobic conditions and/or a mold inhibitor in the filling of the pouch or preferentially printed on the outside of the pouch.

Abstract: A packaging material for packaging a selected fluid-containing fresh food item for providing simultaneous curing or marinating of such food item and storage of the same at normal refrigeration temperatures. A packaging material comprises a substrate suitable for contact with food and a food treatment layer comprises a predetermined amount of edible adhesive applied to a food contacting surface of the substrate and a curing or marinating agent mixed in, retained and calibrated by the adhesive. The adhesive is capable of dissolving in fluid from the food at a temperature in the range of −3° C. to −4° C. The amount of curing or marinating agent retained by the predetermined amount of adhesive is that which is required to substantially cure or marinate the selected food item. The amount of the adhesive is determined by the amount of curing or marinating agent required to be retained by it.

Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A crude lactide in a solid state or in an at least partially molten state is brought into contact with ethanol to form a slurry mixture, and then a solid form this slurry mixture is separated to yield a purified lactide having a high purity. A crude lactide is recrystallized from a non-denatured or denatured ethanol to obtain a lactide for a food additive. A lactide is applied widely to food additives. A coagulating agent for an animal and/or vegetable protein containing an optically active lactide as a main component, a food foaming agent containing a lactide as a main component, a food preservative containing a lactide as a main component and a pH regulating agent containing a lactide as a main component are provided.

Abstract: A release device for slowly releasing vapors of a sprout inhibitor into a small package of potatoes is disclosed. The release device includes a container for holding finely particulate porous media which has absorbed a liquid sprout inhibitor. The container is at least partially porous with respect to sprout inhibitor vapors such that the release device may be utilized to inhibit sprouting of potatoes in small packages during shipments. The release device may further be structured to be coated to control the release rate and may further include being printed upon a porous substrate.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. The inner package is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer package is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package includes first and second compartments separated by a partition member that is substantially permeable to oxygen. The first compartment contains an oxygen scavenger activated with an oxygen scavenger accelerator. The second compartment contains a retail cut of raw meat. Various techniques are employed to rapidly reduce the oxygen level in the second compartment below pigment sensitive levels so that the growth of metmyoglobin is inhibited. Some of these techniques increase the flow of oxygen from the second compartment to the first compartment through the partition member, while other techniques directly absorb oxygen within the second compartment by locating a second oxygen scavenger within the second compartment.

Abstract: A foodstuff preserving packaging comprising a packaging substrate having a layer of a bonding agent including at least one foodstuff preservative.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition adapted to be applied to coat a surface area of a vegetable in order to retard environmental degradation thereof. The composition comprises a film-former, a fungicide and a thickener distributed in a carrier liquid. The fungicide may be present in less than one percent (1%) by weight. The composition may include a pH buffer operative to maintain the pH of the mixture between 8.5-10.5. The film-former is operative to coalesce to form a film covering the surface area of the vegetable which is operative to retard dehydration thereof. The fungicide is entrapped throughout the film and is operative to inhibit mildew and fungus growth thereon. The present invention also provides a method of formulating a composition according to the present invention, as well as a method of protecting a decorative vegetable material using a composition according to the present invention.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package includes first and second compartments separated by a partition member that is substantially permeable to oxygen. The first compartment contains an oxygen scavenger activated with an oxygen scavenger accelerator. The second compartment contains a retail cut of raw meat. Various techniques are employed to rapidly reduce the oxygen level in the second compartment below pigment sensitive levels so that the growth of metmyoglobin is inhibited. Some of these techniques increase the flow of oxygen from the second compartment to the first compartment through the partition member to a level inhibiting the formation of metmyoglobin in the raw meat.

Abstract: An antioxidant composition which utilizes a desiccant carrier impregnated with a suitable fat soluble antioxidant is conveniently contained within a vapor permeable housing to prevent homogeneous mixing thereof with a stored product when the composition is provided in granulated form. The desiccant carrier is selected from a group of suitable hydrophilic materials which demonstrates the capacity for reducing levels of atmospheric moisture by absorption thereof, including for example, silica gel. The housing may conveniently be a sealed packet formed from a porous fiber material, such as, for example, that commonly used for fashioning tea bags and the like. Alternatively, the housing may include an enclosed perforated structure, the perforations of which are smaller than the granules of the contained composition. Where the composition is provided in the form of a unitary body, a housing need not be used.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. The inner package is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer package is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially stretch-oriented and heat-set, single-layer or multilayer shirred stick, polyamide-based packaging casing which has a shirring density of up to 1:200, at a length of the shirred stick of from 40 to 100 cm, and to a process for producing the packaging casing.

Abstract: Dehydroshikimates are used as antioxidants for oxidation susceptible compositions, as well as for inhibiting oxidative physiological processes. Particularly, the parent acid and its derivatives find application in inhibiting the oxidation of food substances, feed, dietary supplements, oils, polymers, fuels, lubricants, cosmetics, medicinal agents, inks, dyes, and other oxidative sensitive products, over extended periods of time and at elevated temperatures. The subject compounds can be used at low concentrations.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. The inner package is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer package is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the aging of amino-containing amino acid, peptides, proteins and biomolecules. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent or compound capable of reacting with the glycosyl-amino moiety of the early glycosylation product (also known as the Amadori product or the Heyns product) formed by the reaction of glucose, or other reactive sugars, with an amino-containing peptide, protein or biomolecule, thus stabilizing this early glycosylation product, and preventing its further reaction to form open-chain, carbonyl-containing advanced glycosylation end products. Suitable agents may contain a reactive aldehyde group. A preferred agent is acetaldehyde. The method comprises contacting the target biomolecule with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging system and method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner container and an outer container. The inner container is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer container is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner container, the inner container is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner container. The flushed inner container is then sealed and inserted into the outer container without sealing the outer container. Next, the outer container is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer container. After flushing the outer container, the outer container is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition comprising a Pediococcus-derived bacteriocin or synthetic equivalent antibacterial agent in combination with a chelating agent. Such composition may be used in conjunction with a foodstuff or with a food packaging film (with or without the chelating agent) to protect foodstuffs against growth of harmful bacteria such as Listeria. Also disclosed are methods of protecting foodstuffs using film having a transferrable antimicrobial agent which may protect foodstuff surfaces before and/or following removal of the film and peelable films useful in such methods which may include the above bacteriocin.