3 replies to this topic

[Jessica Walsh]

Hello, I work for a Acidified Foods plant. We have been receiving several inquires for ambient filled and shelf stable dressings, mayo's and spreads without chemical preservatives. 

 

I have looked at several dressings and mayo's currently on the market and there are several without the typical chemical preservatives such as Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate. But, how is spoilage controlled in these products? 

 

We have been experimenting with CytoGUARDS for Yeast and Mold inhibitors, but I also have not found much research or information on these products as well. Besides from the company itself. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated! 

 

Many Thanks, Jessie

[SoupsNStuff]

Some spreads could be using high pressure processing (HPP). For this, you would need HPP appropriate packaging and a validation that the time/pressure you are using effectively controls your target organisms. Most businesses will send out their product to be processed rather than dealing with all that equipment in house. 

 

I'm not an expert on HPP, but I feel like it may mess up the structure of mayo...for mayo based things, you'd probably just need to adjust your formula to have the ideal pH and aW. Search FDA Time and Temperature Control Table B. Interaction of pH and Aw for control of vegetative cells and spores in FOOD not heat-treated or heat-treated and not PACKAGED.

 

Last idea, "cleaner" sounding preservatives like rosemary extract. 

 

And then of course, all refrigerated after opening. Without preservatives your shelf life may be reduced as well so it would be good to do a study. 

[sqflady]

If it is acidified, your formulation should be the control.  What does your process authority recommend?

[Jessica Walsh]

If it is acidified, your formulation should be the control.  What does your process authority recommend?

Thanks for your response! 

 

Its technically not Acidified it is Acid Formulated as this follows dressing standard of identity, so it does not require a process review. Though I do usually submit for process review regardless.

 

But I have yet to find a process reviewer that would approve any ambient filled dressing using anything but the standard chemical preservatives such as Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate. BUT there are several shelf stable dressings in the market without the conventional chemical preservatives.