Suppressing Gram-positive bacteria that cause food spoilage, such as Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum, and various spoilage microorganisms, nisin is widely used in many foods to extend their shelf life. Adding nisin to dairy products with a lower pH, such as yogurt and fruit milk, can significantly extend their shelf life. For example, adding 0.05g/kg of nisin to yogurt with a pH of around 4, after sterilizing at 90°C for 20 minutes, can extend the product's shelf life from 6 days at room temperature to over a month. Adding nisin to ultra-high temperature sterilized, aseptically packaged milk can reduce the spoilage rate of the product, and adding it to low-fat milk, unsalted butter, non-fat milk, flavored milk, etc., can enhance the stability of these products at high temperatures, thereby extending their shelf life.
Nisin is also widely used in meat products. For example, adding nisin to sausages can inhibit most Gram-positive bacteria without affecting the product's color, aroma, or taste and can also reduce the amount of nitrate or nitrite used. Adding it to low-temperature meat products such as Western-style ham can effectively extend the product's shelf life and reduce the use of nitrite.
Canned foods are often contaminated with highly heat-resistant bacterial spores. Nisin can inhibit the growth of these spores, thus extending the shelf life of canned foods. For example, adding 0.1g/kg of nisin to canned foods can preserve them for 2 years under hot conditions.
Seafood products such as fish and fresh shrimp are prone to spoilage and contamination by Listeria and E. botulinum. Adding an appropriate amount of nisin can inhibit the growth and reproduction of these spoilage bacteria, thereby extending the freshness and shelf life of the products.
Nisin can also effectively extend the shelf life of beverages and fruit juices. For example, adding nisin to soy milk, peanut milk, and similar products can significantly extend their shelf life.
In addition, nisin is widely used in various products such as dried tofu, lactone tofu, salad dressings, convenience foods, spices, and cosmetics. By inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, it extends the shelf life of these products.
Nisin has a significant effect on extending the shelf life of various foods such as dairy products, meat products, canned foods, seafood, beverages, and fruit juices. It is also suitable for other foods requiring preservation treatment. These applications not only improve food safety but also extend the shelf life of foods, providing consumers with more convenience and choices.