What Are Antimicrobials?
Antimicrobials are food ingredients that inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, ensure product safety and extend shelf life. These ingredients are essential for food manufacturers to maintain the freshness of their products and reduce spoilage. By preventing bacterial growth, antimicrobials extend the shelf life of various food products, reduce waste and enable a variety of product formulations.
At Gillco, we offer a wide range of antimicrobial solutions from leading suppliers such as IFF and Corbion. These solutions are suitable for numerous applications including meat products, dairy products, bakery products and ready-to-eat meals.
In this guide, we look at the different types of antimicrobial solutions, their applications and benefits.
Our Antimicrobials Offerings
IFF Offerings
-BioVia®
-MicroGARD®
-Natamax® (Natamycin)
-Nisaplin® (Nisin)
-NovaGARD®
Corbion Offerings
-OptiForm®
-Purac®
-Puracal®
-PuraQ®
-Purasal®
-Verdad®
Applications for Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials have a wide range of applications in various food and beverage sectors. Each antimicrobial solution is designed to combat specific microorganisms and improve the quality of food.
Meat and Meat Alternatives
Antimicrobials are commonly used in meat and meat alternatives to inhibit bacteria such as listeria and salmonella, increase food safety and extend the shelf life of products.
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
Antimicrobial substances help to prevent the growth of spoilage organisms like yeast and mold in dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and other fermented foods. They are vital for maintaining product freshness.
Bakery Products
In baked goods, antimicrobial substances prevent mold growth and thus ensure a longer shelf life while preserving taste and texture.
Ready-To-Eat Meals
Antimicrobials provide essential protection for ready-to-eat meals by combating spoilage bacteria, especially in chilled or frozen products.
Benefits of Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials offer multiple benefits, including:
-Extended Shelf Life: By inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms, antimicrobials keep products fresher for longer, reducing waste and increasing manufacturers' profitability.
-Food Safety: Antimicrobials protect against bacteria, yeasts and molds and guarantee consumer safety by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
-Label-Friendly Solutions: Many antimicrobial agents are natural and can replace chemical preservatives, which is in line with the consumer trend towards “clean labels”.
-Product Versatility: With antimicrobials, manufacturers can offer different formulations, including low-fat, high-moisture or chilled and frozen products.
BioVia®
BioVia® from IFF is a label-friendly, natural antimicrobial solution. It is highly effective in extending the shelf life of various refrigerated and shelf-stable foods by controlling yeast and mold growth. BioVia® is especially valued for its clean label appeal, making it a favored choice for food manufacturers who rely on natural ingredients.
MicroGARD®
MicroGARD® is a fermentate solution from IFF that is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and molds. It prolongs shelf life without affecting the taste or texture of food, making it ideal for preserving food with a clean label.
Natamax® (Natamycin)
Natamax® is a natural antifungal agent obtained by fermentation. It is highly effective in inhibiting mold and yeast growth in various food applications. As a result, Natamax® helps to maintain the integrity and safety of food, making it an important ingredient for manufacturers concerned about quality and shelf life.
Nisaplin® (Nisin)
IFF's Nisaplin® is a bio-preservative that uses nisin, a natural peptide known for its antibacterial properties. This unique solution is ideal for extending the shelf life of dairy products and meat applications. Nisaplin® helps to ensure food safety and allows manufacturers to offer clean-label products that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
NovaGARD®
NovaGARD® is a versatile preservation system that is designed to meet the specific requirements of various food applications. Combining effective preservation with the benefits of a clean label, this product helps manufacturers maintain product quality and safety. NovaGARD® is a reliable choice for anyone looking for dependable, natural food preservation solutions.
OptiForm®
OptiForm® products are the gold standard in listeria control, particularly for cooked, cured, and low sodium meats. These products are formulated to maximize antimicrobial synergies, delivering extended shelf life and improved yield, purge, and texture of the finished product while having minimal impact on taste.
Purac®
Purac® is a line of natural lactic acid that helps reduce bacteria during processing, enhancing safety in meat products. It is also used effectively in the bakery, beverage, pet food, and confectionery industries, ensuring product safety and extending freshness across various applications.
Puracal®
Puracal® is a family of natural, calcium-based minerals ideal for fortification in beverages and confectionery. They offer a neutral flavor and outstanding bioavailability, ensuring minimal impact on your application process, making them a versatile choice for enhancing nutritional profiles without altering taste.
PuraQ®
PuraQ® products are natural ferments derived from selected food cultures that enhance flavor in cooked and processed meats. They provide label-friendly natural flavorings with the added benefit of sodium reduction, ensuring both taste and health-conscious choices.
Purasal®
The Purasal® family of sodium and potassium lactates extends shelf life by up to 100%, proven to reduce the growth of spoilage bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria, pseudomonas, leuconostoc, and enterobacter. This line is suitable for meat snacks, low sodium products, refrigerated foods, sauces, dressings, condiments, confectionery, and beverages, enhancing safety and quality throughout.
Verdad®
The Verdad® line offers natural antimicrobials effective against Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium, ensuring safety in meat products while also maintaining quality in sauces, dressings, condiments, and beverages. This range provides reliable shelf life extension and protection against spoilage, making it a trusted choice in food preservation.
Partner With Gillco for Your Antimicrobials Needs
Gillco is committed to providing high quality antimicrobial solutions from world leading suppliers such as IFF and Corbion. Our extensive portfolio includes products that help food manufacturers achieve the highest safety and freshness standards while meeting consumer demands for natural ingredients. We are your partner for reliable, best-in-class food protection solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about how our antimicrobial offerings can benefit your products and ensure your food remains safe and fresh throughout its shelf life.
Talk to an account manager today about how antimicrobials can benefit your products.