Natural Antimicrobials at AMI Expo

A&B Ingredients (Fairfield, NJ) will feature natural antimicrobials-CytoGuard Stat-N and CytoGuard LA Stat-N-at April's AMI (American Meat Institute) Expo in Chicago.

CytoGuard Stat-N is a proprietary blend of lignan fractions. It takes the place of water in a product and can preserve food shelf life up to 30%, according to the company.  Free of allergens and genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), the ingredient is designed for meat, poultry, seafood, dairy and non-dairy products.

CytoGuard LA Stat-N is based on lauric arginate and can prevent microbial growth by altering microbe cell membranes. The best way to apply CytoGuard LA, says A&B Ingredients, is through the company's SLIC (Sprayed Lethality in Container). This process takes place during the meat's packaging, when the ingredient is spread across the meat's surface during vacuum sealing. The company has stated that the efficacy of this process to control pathogens has been affirmed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Both antimicrobials can work against most bacteria found in foods, including Listeria, Salmonella, E. Coli, yeast, and molds.

The AMI Expo will be held from April 13 to 16, 2011. A&B Ingredients will be located in booth #1276.