Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods and compositions for anti-microbial treatment of food products. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter provides derivatives of liquid smoke and methods of treating food products with the derivatives to inhibit the growth of microorganisms without imparting smoky flavors to the food product.

Abstract: A collagen processing method for thickening or hardening the collagen sufficiently by application of a liquid smoke fraction, obtained from a liquid smoke derivative (a derivative being commercially available as Code V), so that the resultant treated collagen is useful as a casing for a food product. The liquid smoke fraction may be obtained by treating Code V with both carbon and a pH adjustment whereby the method is without an effect on the taste of the food product. In another embodiment, the Code V is only pH adjusted.

Abstract: A collagen processing method for thickening or hardening the collagen sufficiently, by application of a liquid smoke fraction obtained from a liquid smoke derivative (a derivative being commercially available as Code V), so that the resultant treated collagen is useful as a casing for a food product. The liquid smoke fraction may be obtained by treating Code V with both carbon and a pH adjustment whereby the method is without an effect on the taste of the food product. In another embodiment, the Code V is only pH adjusted.

Abstract: A liquid smoke coloring agent solution having total water miscibility, a benzopyrene content under about 5 ppb, and a pH above about 11, and a related method for making same by contacting liquid smoke with water and an alkaline agent. The liquid smoke coloring agent solution may be made from commercially existing liquid smoke compositions.

Abstract: A liquid smoke browning agent solution having good browning but minimal or no flavor, and a related method for making same. The liquid smoke browning agent solution may be made from commercially existing delignified wood pulp.

Abstract: A tar-depleted liquid smoke having total water miscibility, and related method for making same. The tar-depleted liquid smoke may be made from commercially existing liquid smoke products, for instance, by treating such a commercial product with a column filtration process using activated carbon particles packed in the column. The resultant tar-depleted liquid smoke typically will have a phenols reduction of about 10% to about 90% compared to the commercial starting product of liquid smoke. In an alternative embodiment, the tar-depleted liquid smoke made from carbon contact is then vacuum concentrated so that it has a phenols content greater than that of the commercial starting product of liquid smoke, but the concentrate will still be totally water miscible.