Spoilage prevention in beverages

A sterilization agent provides effective protection against harmful microorganisms for non-alcoholic beverages without affecting the taste, odor or color of the drink

MICROORGANISMS such as yeasts, mold fungi and bacteria are ubiquitous in the beverage filling process. They are found in the ambient air, in production installations, in closures and in the drinks themselves. Not only do they diminish the sensory properties of the liquids, they also can pose a health risk for consumers. Velcorin is a modern stabilizer approved for a broad range of beverages, and even minimum doses effectively eliminate beverage- spoiling microorganisms without impairing taste. It protects alcohol-free refreshments and wine very effectively against damaging microorganisms, without affecting the taste, aroma or color of the drink. Cold sterilization with this Lanxess stabilizer has become established worldwide as a leading technology for beverage stabilization. The stabilizer is added to the finished beverage directly before filling. It immediately performs its disinfectant function and then degrades into tiny amounts of methanol and carbon dioxide, which are natural components of fruit juices and fruit juice-based drinks. The product is highly effective, neutraltasting, cost-efficient and compatible with all known types of end packaging, such as PET, glass bottles, carton packaging and bag-in-box. The broad range of applications includes fruit juice-based beverages, wine, iced tea and isotonic beverages for athletes. Velcorin further is used in non-carbonated and carbonated flavored water. “While manufacturers are expected to continuously develop new types of beverages, for example with additional dietary benefits, they must also maintain high standards in production and protect beverages from spoiling. With Velcorin, we offer not only an effective solution for cold sterilization, but also complete service that includes the right dosing equipment,?says Ingo Broda, head of Beverage Technology in the Material Protection Products business unit. The Material Protection Products business unit of specialty chemicals group Lanxess supplies the beverage industry with a complete range of products and the accompanying metering systems from a single source.

True flavor protected

The durable Velcorin DT dosing machines made in Germany ensure excellent distribution in a beverage, because they add only precise quantities, right down to the ppm range. They easily can be integrated in existing filling systems, require only a low initial investment, are easy to operate and reliable to use. The specialists in the Material Protection Products business unit can also offer technical consulting services, laboratory and practical testing support and extensive registration management services. Velcorin is added to a finished beverage before filling. Even in low concentrations, the product has a pronounced effect on typical microorganisms. It enters the cell and inactivates its key enzymes. Once added to a beverage, the dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) rapidly decomposes into small amounts of methanol and carbon dioxide, natural ingredients in many beverages, including fruit and vegetable juices as well as wine. It therefore has no effect on the taste, aroma or color of a beverage. “This key product advantage has even impressed enologists the world over, who must meet high winemaking standards year after year,?remarks Broda. Velcorin is permitted for use in accordance with the national and international guidelines of the International Organization for Vine and Wine (OIV). Key authorities, such as the EU Scientific Committee on Food, the United States FDA and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), have confirmed that Velcorin is safe for human health. Air Max 95 Flyknit