Abstract: Improved processes for extracting water soluble nutrients including sugars from plants and in particular sugar cane. The plants may be washed with a wash solution. After washing, water soluble nutrient containing liquid is extracted from the plants. A diluted wash solution may be added to the crushed plants to improve the extraction of the water soluble nutrients. The wash solution may be added to the liquid collected during the extraction to improve the separation of impurities from the nutrient containing liquid. The extracted liquid may demonstrate at least one of improved purity, improved clarity, improved filtration times, improved whiteness, and improved total recovered water soluble nutrients.

Abstract: Improved processes for extracting water soluble nutrients including sugars from plants and in particular sugar cane. The plants may be washed with a wash solution. After washing, water soluble nutrient containing liquid is extracted from the plants. A diluted wash solution may be added to the crushed plants to improve the extraction of the water soluble nutrients. The wash solution may be added to the liquid collected during the extraction to improve the separation of impurities from the nutrient containing liquid. The extracted liquid may demonstrate at least one of improved purity, improved clarity, improved filtration times, improved whiteness, and improved total recovered water soluble nutrients.

Abstract: A method of controlling bacterial contamination by inhibiting bacterial growth in an aqueous fermentation solution employed in a sugar fermentation process is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) introducing a surfactant composition into the aqueous fermentation solution; (b) introducing an acid into the aqueous fermentation solution in a sufficient quantity to provide a pH value in a range of about 4.5 or less; and (c) mixing the aqueous fermentation solution with yeast, wherein a combination of the surfactant composition and the pH provide antibacterial effects. The synergistic combination of the surfactant composition and the acidic pH of the aqueous fermentation solution are effective to control the levels of one or more of the undesirable bacteria and/or bacterial by-products, while the yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that convert sugar to ethanol remain suitably viable.

Abstract: Acid cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for treating food such as produce, e.g., fruits and vegetables, and edible animal proteins are provided. Liquid formulations comprising, optionaly, from about 0.5% to about 6% of anionic surfactant, such as sodium alkyl sulfates; a silicone containing suds suppresser and polysorbate that deliver suds control benefits, anionic surfactant long term stability and microorganism reduction.