Kalsec launches new antimicrobial solution to improve shelf life and food safety

US – Kalsec, a US manufacturer of food ingredients and preservatives, has unveiled a new antimicrobial solution that targets to improve both shelf life and food safety in a variety of applications, including meat and poultry, deli salads, dips, sauces, and dressings.

 “Kalsec’s DuraShield Natural Food Protection Blends protect against microbial growth that causes spoilage, off-flavors and common foodborne pathogens including but not limited to Listeria and Salmonella,” says Jane Quartel, executive director of product management – Food Protection, Kalsec.

The solution, according to the company blends traditional antioxidant products – like rosemary and acerola extracts – with natural antimicrobial solutions, such as cultured dextrose and buffered vinegar.

“These natural compounds are blended and to create synergies that produce more effective results together than when used alone,” Quartel adds.

Kalsec says its new 2-in-1 solution branded as DuraShield Antimicrobial Natural Food Protection Blends seeks to meet the demand for natural preservation products.

Traditional synthetic preservatives include sodium benzoate, sodium diacetate, potassium sorbate, potassium lactate, and sodium propionates.

While these are widely available, they often make it difficult for brands to meet the consumer-preferred clean label claim.

This gap exists even as the US Department of Agriculture estimates an annual loss of more than US$15.6 billion due to foodborne illnesses.

Additionally, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year, 16 percent of US residents get sick from contaminated foods or beverages.

Moreover, the CDC attributed 3,000 annual deaths from this occurrence.

Kalsec seeks to address concerns about food safety with its DuraShield blends which its R&D team has conducted multiple studies to determine efficacy.

Quartel detailed that one of the tests evaluated the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes growth in cooked chicken breasts under vacuum packing conditions, and the solutions completely inhibited the growth of Listeria over 24 days.

“In addition, further sensory testing demonstrated a minimal flavor impact. Finally, we monitored the accumulation of headspace aldehydes and found that our solutions were effective in controlling oxidation in cooked chicken breasts,” Quartel added.

The spice and herb extract supplier pegs natural antimicrobials as the “next frontier” in shelf life extension and food preservation.

It is first launching DuraShield Food Protection Blends in the US with future plans for rollouts into other global regions.

In similar moves, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (IFF) rolled out a label-friendly antimicrobial system to processed meat manufacturers in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

NovaGARD NR 100-G has been found to inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and other gram-positive bacteria, keeping meat products safe and high in quality throughout the shelf life.

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