Abstract: Hop beta acids are improved with respect to their antibacterial properties, especially their anti-Listeria properties. Enhancement in this regard is especially useful for the treatment of food products which are susceptible to bacterial contamination. This can be especially important when the hop beta acids are to be used in surface application onto the food products. The hop beta acids are rendered more effective by combining them with a food grade acid, a potassium ion source, and an optional antioxidant in a carrier solvent such as, for example, a food grade alcohols or a food grade glycol. The improved hop beta acid compositions of this invention provide increase stability, higher hop beta acid concentrations, and/or higher anti-Listeria activities.

Abstract: Methods for controlling contamination of a food product are provided which utilize introduction of an antimicrobial solution to a food package prior to vacuum sealing the package. These methods utilize surface tension and/or capillary action created during a vacuum heat sealing process to efficiently create a uniform distribution of antimicrobial solution over the surface of a food. This method insures rapid and effective coating of the product with the antimicrobial agent.