DES MOINES, Iowa — Kemin has launched BactoCease, a propionic acid-based antimicrobial designed to protect ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Listeria monocytogenes.

BactoCease is available for use commercially with an in-plant waiver. A petition has been submitted to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service that requests the listing of liquid sodium propionate as an acceptable antimicrobial agent for use in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The petition was published in the Federal Register on May 7.

“Until now, meat manufacturers have only had one primary option for Listeria control — lactates,” said William Schroeder, Ph.D., director of research and development for the food technologies division of Des Moines-based Kemin. “BactoCease is a cost-effective lactate alternative on the market that has scientifically sound research demonstrating excellent, more consistent performance in controlling Listeria in RTE meat and poultry when compared to lactates.”

According to Kemin, multiple replications performed in turkey, ham and roast beef showed BactoCease consistently inhibited Listeria for an average of 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the meat application. BactoCease has no negative impact on flavor of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, according to the company.