MXPA98000057A - Methods, compositions, and / or cleaning / sanitation articles for agricultural products, for example, fruits and vegeta - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables, liquid formulations comprising detergent surfactant, such as oleate, alcohol ethoxylates, etc., and neutralized phosphoric acid are sprayed on apples, lettuce and the like for removing dirt and unwanted deposits, especially wax, articles are described for applying the compositions to agricultural products by spraying, the use of compositions for the disinfection / sanitation of agricultural products and cleaning / disinfection / sanitation of non-food inanimate surfaces is described

Description

METHODS, COMPOSITIONS, AND / OR CLEANING / SANITATION ARTICLES FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, FOR EXAMPLE, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to methods for removing dirt and other unwanted residues from agricultural products, for example, fruits and vegetables, which are intended for the ingestion of internal humans or animals and detergent compositions, especially in liquid form, which are especially suitable for the practice of said methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known and appreciated by consumers that fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed before they are eaten in order to remove dirt and other unwanted residues that may stick undesirably to Jü super f I c is of the same. In addition, some consumers want to remove the artificial "waxy" seeds that can be applied to some fruits to eliminate moisture loss, increase shelf life, and improve appearance. He has calculated that 1 ^% of consumers Jr) recognize the need to wash * completely byo commonly, only use tap water for this purpose. In the order of r, Z of those consumers who wash their vegetables use a housecleaning, typically a liquid dishwashing product, to help ensure cleanliness. However, dishwashing products are not specifically intended for such use, since they are usually designed to provide high persistent suppression that makes them convenient to remove * from fruits or vegetables that have been washed with them. -, and will appreciate - also that the formulation of truly effective compositions, especially those that can be used safely by individual consumers, to wash fruits and vegetables presents a unique problem to the form, since many ingredients, of cleaning described in the Technically they would not be desirable to be used in direct contact with food where they can not be removed completely. In addition, it would be especially desirable to provide toxicologically acceptable, effective cleaning compositions for fruits and vegetables in the form of substantially low sputtering liquid solutions that are clear or have only minimal turbidity. Liquid solutions are convenient for the user, since they can be applied directly to dirty fruits and vegetables, followed by rinsing in tap water. The clarity of liquids connotes cleaning for the user and in this way is highly desirable. Spurnation is an important attribute so that the removal of the rinsing solution is accomplished quickly and easily. It would be an advantage - also if such compositions could be provided in the form of concentrates, which can be diluted by the consumer * before being used and / or applied to fruits and vegetables as a direct spray. Unfortunately, many acceptable toxi coloyi cleaning ingredients do not meet the aforementioned requirements for light, clear and low sputtering liquid products. Detersive surfactants form cloudy and even opaque suspensions, even in soft water. Of course, many surfactants are specifically designed to be high spitting. Still others form relatively intractable phases in their concentrated form. It has been described that soap and / or certain nonionic surfactants, properly formulated, for example, with water soluble oleate or laurate salts and other ingredients, can provide liquid compositions having the desired properties described above. It has also been described that preferred compositions can be formulated on the basic pH scale. Although such basic compositions have a soapy feel, they are preferred over the acidic compositions herein to remove artificial waxy coatings, especially from fruits-such as apples. However, the invention also comprises basic compositions that have less soap feel. It has now been found that the addition of neutralized phosphoric acid provides even better cleaning, especially of waxy material, even at the same pH.

ANTECEDENT TECHNIQUE The use and selection of cleaning ingredients for the purpose of washing * fruits and vegetables is described by the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States, Title 21, Section 171.315: "Tongredients for use m? Ashing or lye peelmg of fruits and vegetables". These regulations restrict the ingredients that can be used for direct contact with food to those described as "generally considered safe" (GRAS), and some other selected ingredients. These sections also provide certain limitations on the amount of material that can be used * in a given context. Among these ingredients, the form will only find some ingredients that can provide effective cleaning of hydrophobic residues, such as waxes, oils, or man-made chemical residues such as pesticides. It is recognized that these types of residues are promptly removed by surfactant ingredients in water, or by organic solvents, mainly in the absence of water. Other types of soils, especially insoluble particle soils which do not readily disperse in water, are effectively removed by surfactant materials in water, especially when they have the aid of complex ammonium salts, such as c. treatments (polycarboxylates), or s of po 11 fos fato. This limited group of ingredients at the level of effective cleaning compositions well suited to the task of cleaning fruits and vegetables, especially as it is practiced by individual consumers, has not been previously described. It is desired to formulate liquid compositions which are subject to direct application to agricultural products, preferably by application by aserum, or can be provided in a suitable concentrated form to allow convenient dilution in a bowl or collector of water for washing products. agricultural through immersion. Furthermore, it is desired if the compositions are low sputtering, and rinsed easily, without leaving residue. The preferred compositions should be gentle to the hands, especially for direct application. Food Chemical News, Tnc. , 1991, p. 334.1, records that PFG 200-9500 has been clarified under §178.3750 as a constituent in articles to be used in contact with food (Fed. Register, October 15, 1968). However, to wash agricultural products, μoi ot len glycol must be affirmed as GRAS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention encompasses methods for cleaning agricultural products, especially fruits and vegetables, (and compositions, as described below, for practicing said methods) at a basic pH. The present invention comprises several aspects including: T. A method for cleaning * agricultural products comprising contacting said surfaces of said agricultural products by direct application of an aqueous cleaning solution typically comprising: (a) about 0.01% to about 15% of Cß-Ciß fatty acid; (b) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of non-limiting surfactant agent, especially ethoxylated and / or propoxy additives of C12-18 aliphatic alcohols, but preferably less than about one-eighth of ai amount of said fatty acid; (c) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid, preferably citric acid; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base ammonium surfactant such as the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts of dodecylbenzenesulfonate; (e) optionally, basic toxicologically acceptable regulator such as basic materials of potassium and / or sodium, for example, hydroxides and / or carbonate and / or bicarbonate salts; (f) optionally, conservative toxicology, acceptable acceptor; (g) optionally, but preferably from about 0.05% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, most preferably from about * 0.3% to about 2% by weight. do -fofor *? co; (h) optionally, at least approximately 0. f) h%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, very reliable from around 0. 25% to approximately 3. (1%, by weight, of water soluble polyethylene glycol having an olecular weight of about 200, or more, and (i) the moiety comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, toxicologically acceptable organic solvent of low molecular weight such as ethanol, glycerol, etc., all of the above acidic materials being, of course, neutralized under the alkaline conditions of the product, preferably neutralized with compatible basic material of sodium and / or potassium, preferably potassium, wherein said aqueous solution has a pH on the scale of 9.5 or more, preferably more than about 11, and still very preferred of about 11.5 to about 12.5, and said composition preferably being essentially free of Any material that is not toxicologically acceptable.

The inventions described herein preferentially comprise compositions for use in a method for cleaning fruits and vegetables at a basic pH of about 9.5, comprising: (a) from about 0.01% to about 15% fatty acid of Cß-Cis which is neutralized, preferably a member selected from the group consisting of ^ leato d * 3 sodium or potassium (preferred), or from about 0.5% 10% by weight of laurate of < od? o or potassium; (b) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of nonionic surfactant, especially ethoxylated and / or propoxylated adductions of C12-I8 aliphatic alcohols, but preferably less than about one-eighth of the amount of said fatty acid; (c) optionally, but preferably from about 0.2% to about 4% by weight of potassium and / or sodium carboxylate, which has improved detergency and is preferably derived from natural sources, such as potassium citrate and / or sodium, as a dispersant for particle soils; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base ammonium surfactant such as the alkali metal or alkaline metal salts of dodecyl L-benzene sulphonate; (e) optionally, a basic ingredient such as basic materials of potassium and / or sodium, for example, hydroxides and / or salts of carbonate and / or bicarbonate; () opt; lonalrnente, conservative * toxicologí carnente acept al > 1 e; (g) rnt-nt option, but preference, from about 0.05% to about 10%, preference of about 0.1% to about 5%, very close to * 0.3% at about 2% of aeidofosfor * ico; (h) optionalrnen-t, at least approximately 0. 05%, preferably around 0.1% to about 10%, most preferred around 0. 25% to about 3.0%, by weight, of water soluble polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 200, or more; and (i) the moiety comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, cologically acceptable organic solvent of low molecular weight such as ethanol, glycerol, etc .; preferably selected from water and water-ethanol; wherein said aqueous cleaning solution has a pH of 9.5 or more, and preferably employs carbonate salt, or salts, as regulator (e), preferably with hydroxide base, to provide a pH of about * 11 to approximately 1.2.5, rnuy * re fe ry of about 11.5 to ap or irnadarnen-t e L2.5. The compositions can also be formulated * as concentrates, where at least part of (i) is removed and the levels of the remaining ingredients are adjusted to complete the formula. In all the list of * *, previous components, if an ingredient can be classified in such a place, it will be classified in the first place that can appear. A more specific method for cleaning fruits and vegetables at a basic pH, preferably more than about 9.5, comprises contacting the surfaces of said fruits and vegetables with an aqueous cleaning solution comprising potassium oleate, preferably at a level of more than about 0.5%. Potassium oleate is soft, rinses well, has minimal odor, is effective in removing unwanted materials, especially wax, from apples, does not spur excess, and is very safe, even when the composition is used erroneously and the vegetable , or fruit, etc., is not rinsed completely. Therefore, it is a single preferred surfactant for use in the cleaning of food or vegetable materials and fruits. The potassium cation is more useful than the sodium cation, especially in the absence of polyethylene glycol, since potassium oleate is quite soluble whereas sodium oleate tends to form a less soluble soap, especially at low temperatures.

A concentrated alkaline method for cleaning agricultural products comprises * - contacting the surfaces of agricultural products with a cleaning solution containing alrodedoi from 0.5% to about 15%, preferably from around 50%. / bX at about 8%, most preferred from about 1% to about 5%, of detergent surfactant, preferably one which is GPAS, and most preferably said surfactant agent of oleate, said cleaning solution which is about 1 to about 12.5 to about 12.5, preferably about 12.5 about, especially when the detergent surfactant is a soap such as said oleate, most preferred about 11.5. to approximately 12.3. Such compositions, when used in an effective amount to clean wax-coated apples, will provide more effective removal of the wax when combined with the neutralized phosphoric acid. The removal of apple wax is one of the most difficult cleaning tasks and therefore indicates the overall superior performance. It is important to remove as much wax as possible to minimize the amount of any undesirable material that may be trapped by the wax. Another preferred variation in the above methods for cleaning agricultural products involves placing said cleaning solutions in a sprinkler container to provide a sprinkling of said solution to distribute said solution, or solutions, on the surfaces of the agricultural products at the same time using only a minimum amount of the cleaning solution and minimizing the exposure of the remaining solution to the atmosphere, where the solution is likely to be more contaminated and / or exposed to oxygen, which tends to cause unwanted changes in the solutions of considerations of aesthetics and / or operation. In such spraying procedures, only a relatively small amount of liquid is needed in the packaging, and for individual consumer use, this < -, you want, since some consumers will not be able to anipulate large weights. For individual consumer use, typically, the container will contain no more than about two gallons (approximately eight liters), preferably no more than about one gallon (approximately one liters), especially when the container is a container * sprinkler, even one It has a tube that allows the sprinkler device to be manipulated while the global container remains in place. Very preferred said sprinkler containers contain approximately one liter of cleaning solution. The invention encompasses basic cleaning compositions in concentrated and diluted forms, specially adapted to practice said methods. (In the following description, minor amounts of the specific ingredients denote the dilute forms of the compositions herein and the larger amounts denote the concentrated forms which are typically diluted by a factor of from about 2 to about 3). The compositions can be further concentrated to liquids or non-aqueous solids in accordance with the teaching of the U.S. Patent. 5, 280, 042, Lopes, said patent being incorporated by * reference. Said compositions include the following. A composition for cleaning fruits and vegetables at a basic pH, comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably from about 1% to about 5%, in the presence of a member selected from of sodium or potassium oleate (preferred), sodium or potassium laurate, or mixtures of the same; (b) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 4%, preferably from about 0.3% to about 1.0%, by weight of non-bulking agent as described above; (c) from about 0.2% to about 4% by weight of polycarboxylic acid salt, especially potassium hydrogen citrate; (d) from about 0.3% to about 5% ortho-phosphoric acid; and (e) the remainder comprising aqueous vehicle selected from water and water-ethanol; wherein said composition has a pH of 9.5 or more. Preferably, the basic compositions herein contain from about 0.5% to about 1.5% instead of carbonate and / or bicarbonate potassium and / or sodium regulator and have a pH of about 11.5 to about 12.5. Preferred compositions for use herein in a concentrated alkaline method contain from about 0.1% to about L5%, preferably from about * 0.5% to about 8%, most preferred from about 1% to about 5%, detergent surfactant, pyoioieiuia one that is GPAS; from about 3% to about 5% ortho-phosphoric acid and have a pH around * of from 9.5 to about 12.5, preferably from about 11.5 to about 12.3. Such compositions, when used in an amount effective to clean wax-coated apples, will provide more effective removal of the wax. The removal of wax from apples is one of the most difficult cleaning tasks and therefore indicates the superior overall performance. The present invention also encompasses compositions with improved tactile printing that are specially adapted for cleaning fruits and vegetables, comprising: (a) at least about 0.1%, preferably about 0.5% to about 8%, most preferably about from 1% to approximately 5% by weight of a C 12 -C 18 fatty acid or salt thereof; (b) at least about 0.05%, preferably from about 0.1% to about. %, most preferably about * 0.25% to about 3.0%, by weight, of a water-soluble polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of approximately 200, or more, (c) about 0.1% by weight. Approximately 5% of ortho-ionic acid is co nd ral i zade); and id) fluid vehicle of water and ethanol water, said composition having a basic pl I. Fl oz of the composition μu do < ornprender * various optional adjunct materials, pH adjusting agents, perfumes or essences, preservatives and solvents. In a preferred mode, component (b) has a molecular weight on the scale of about * 300 to about 9500 ,. The typical compositions herein are wherein component (a) is potassium oleate, and wherein the weight ratio of (a) :( b) is on the scale of about 1: 2 to approximative (Only 30: 1, preferably about 1: 1 to about 15: 1 Compositions that have improved tactile printing are typically formulated on the basic pH scale, preferably pH of about 9.5 to about pH 12. 5. Preferred compositions have a viscosity at room temperature of less than about 100 centigrams, preferably less than about 50 cen ipoise for compositions that can be sprayed.

The preferred compositions for use herein contain only materials that are GPAS, including, of course, direct food additives claimed as GRAS, to protect with the possible use of the consumer. Traditionally, the suggestion of cleaning fruits and / or vegetables has a commercial scale where there is more control over the conditions, especially the amount and hard to rinse, the present invention. in particular the methods involving the use of manually activated triggering means are mainly / only suitable for use by individual consumers so that it is essential that the product has additional safety., A minor concern is not to rinse * completely after cleaning * if all the ingredients are GRAS. This is especially important when using basic compositions suitable for removing apple wax. The larger quantities of materials needed for wax removal create an unknown level of present risk for individual consumers, many of whom probably do not read, or follow, instructions that would allow safe use of non-GRAS materials. The ingredients in the above compositions are preferably selected and used in proportions that provide clear and substantial compositions. "Clearly clear ubstance" includes only minimum turbidity, and preferably the compositions are completely clear. The ingredients are also selected to have * minimum odor, both at the start and after storage. The lack of odor * is especially important) on compositions for use in food. the compositions preferably have a viscosity that is greater than 2 centipoise, preferably more than about 10 centipoise when resting, but thin under shear to allow easy dispensing, especially of spray containers. At a lower pH * of about 9.7, the compositions may exhibit some odor of objectionable fatty acid. Even at optimum pHs above 11, some odor may persist *. In order to mask this odor, the compositions may contain a GRAS perfume, or essence, ingredient. Especially preferred for this use are citrus fruit oils, for example, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, tangerines (tangerine hybrid and grapefruit), etc. which contains relatively large amounts of terpenes. All documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following toxicologically acceptable ingredients are used in the preparation of the preferred compositions herein. By "logically acceptable toxi" it is meant that any residues of the ingr-edient.es of the compositions that may remain in the fruits or vegetables cleaned with them are followed for ingestion by humans and / or interior animals. Nonionic Surfactant - The non-limiting surfactant agent is preferably selected from materials known in the art, such as alkylene oxide (ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide) adducts of C-aliphatic alcohols? o-18 or acids, alcoholic acid adductions of C? -18 glucose (alkyl polyglycoses). The selected nonionic surfactant ideally selected has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than about 10, and a cloud point about 35 ° C in the composition. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) of the United States specifically describes an adduction of ethylene oxide / propylene oxide of aliphatic alcohol of C12-18 with a molecular weight of approximately 800. Said material is available as PLURAFAC RA-20 (BASF) . In the basic compositions containing soap, the alkoxylated alcohol functions primarily as a dispersant for any soap curd that may be formed during the cleaning operation. Furthermore, it is recognized that the selection of nonionics containing non-nitrogen can minimize the possibility of microbial growth in dilute surfactant compositions.

Acula Fatty or Salts of the Same - The acidic compositions d) present are preferably formulated using a fatty acid msaturated; Oleic acid is pretend and convenient for this use. However, the particular oleic acid that is selected should be * preferably lower in polyunsaturates, for example, contain less than about 10%, preferably less than about 7%, most preferred less than about 5%, minor components polyacid, and will typically have an Iodine Value (TV) of from about 70 to about 100, preferably from about 83 to about 95, most preferred from about 85 to about 90. The most saturated polyunsaturated fatty acids they are not preferred in the present, due to odor problems. However, this is mainly from static considerations since such acids are effective in cleaning. The amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids with more than about two direct bonds should be less than about 1%, preferably 0%. Saturated fatty acids are unacceptable as they have limited solubility for materials of longer chain length (> Ci2), or have unacceptable odor (< C? O). For example, stearic and / or tallow fatty acid soaps, even potassium soaps, do not have sufficient solubility at room temperature, where the majority of the cleaning of agricultural products is carried out by individual consumers, to formulate still compositions containing the minimum of approximately 0.1% soap required for acceptable cleaning. Other specific solubilizing agents in higher proportions would require solubilization of these saturated fatty acids. The oleic acid Pa olyn 100 FGK is a good example of a suitable commercial fatty acid, Fosfoi Acid i - Phosphoric acid is an extremely desirable component to improve the removal of, for example, apple wax. The advantage is not observed at pH since the improvement is observed at any pH.For example, as described below, when the pH ranges from about 11 to about 12, the results are higher when present. The neutralized phosphorus or acid is not due to any ability of neutralized phosphoric acid to act as a detergency builder to inhibit the problems associated with water hardness., since the results improve when the compositions are used completely by application directly on the waxy surface. It is surprising that neutralized orthophosphoric acid provides such a large benefit. The advantage is observed especially when the compositions are used completely, for example, by spraying the composition directly on the surface of the agricultural product. Polyethylene Glycol - The water-soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer employed herein is the known article of commerce and is available under a variety of trademarks, of which OARBOUAX (Union Carbide Cor? Or * a <); ion) is an example of PFG on the average molecular weight scale of about 200 to about 20,000 that can be used herein, and PEG as CARBOUAX on the average molecular weight scale * of at least about 200, typically 300 at approximately 9500, it is convenient and pretends to be gone. As described above, the compositions herein will comprise at least about 0.05%, by weight, of the PEG and will typically comprise from about U.1% to about 10%, by weight, of PEG. The amounts used can vary with the molecular weight of the PFG, the amount of oleate and other fatty acid used in the composition, the desired viscosity of the composition, and similar factors within the discretion of the form. The following table T illustrates the variation in viscosity that can be made using various levels of PEG and molecular weights of PFG ranging in a liquid composition (Control) comprising 3% potassium oleate. Table I also illustrates the effect of sodium benzoate (Bz) in viscosity.

TABLE I Viscosity (cP * as done) Viscosity (cP * as done) Composition 22 ° C 6 ° C Control (no PEG) 7 110 Control + 0.674% Bz 23 1000 Control + 0.118% Bz 7 159 Contr-ol + 0.1% of Pro 400 5 36 Contr-ol + 0.5% of PEG 400 2 17 Control + 0.1% of PFG 8000 5 23 With role + 0.5% of PEG 8000 8 4 * Viscosity in centipoise as measured using a Brookfield LVTD spindle # 2, 60 rpm at the designated temperature. In a typical mode, preferred compositions herein having an improved tactile impression comprise n oleate: PEG weight ratios on the scale of about 1: 2 to about 30: 1, preferably about 1: 1 to aμrox? madarn € > 15: 1 Tactile Printing - The present compositions containing the polyethylene glycol are characterized not only by their excellent cleaning performance and sputtering / rinsing properties, but also by their improved viscosity properties and improved "feel". As described above, although the improved properties of the compositions herein are readily displayed in quantitative form using standard measurement techniques, the improved feel of the compositions having contact with the hands of the user is a qualitative tactile impression. However, this "non-slippery", "non-soapy" improvement improved in skin feel can be shown by rubbing Test (with PEG) and Control (without PEG) compositions on the hands or inner forearms of the voluntary graders . Even in such rudimentary tests, the levelers can easily distinguish the improvements in the tactile printing of the compositions made in accordance with this invention. Surfactants.- Optional, optionally, the stable base ammonia agents can be used, as permitted by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) of the United States, Chapter 21, Section 173.315. Preferred salts are of dodecylbenzene sulfonate, typically at levels up to 0.2%. Also described in the CFR are the phosphate esters of ethylene and / or ethylene / propylene oxide adductions of aliphatic alcohols, dioctyl sulfosuccmate and 2-ethylhexyl sulfate. Sequent / detergency builder. - The organic polycarboxylic acid, or salt thereof, for example, citric acid, or sodium and / or potassium citrate, and / or etiiendiarnintetraacetic acid or sodium and / or potassium ethylene diamine acetate are conventional articles of commerce and are GRAS. Other organic polycarboxylic acids can also be used, especially those which are GRAS, such as tartaric acids, rhenics, etc. When formulating the basic formulations herein, it is preferred to use the potassium salt, as compared to the salt of sodium, to provide ease of formulation. complex phosphates can also be used, but usually ~ *, and avoid due to regulorous considerations. PH regulator *. - Biologically acceptable pH regulators can be used in the compositions herein to maintain the pH of the product on the base scale. For ease of formulation, much more than such basic pH regulators are preferred if they are in the potassium salt form. The potassium treatment is a preferred dispersant for particle soils. Potassium carbonate is a preterm and convenient basic pH regulator. Sodium bicarbonate is a convenient material to be added to the compositions of this invention as a part of the pH regulation system, since it is easily obtainable as sodium bicarbonate in food grade and, therefore, is relatively inexpensive, while providing a highly convenient purity for the composition. Compositions formulated with a mixture of potassium and sodium cations in molar ratios of from about 1: 1 to about 10: 1, preferably from about 2: 1 to about 8: 1, and most preferably about from 4: 1 to about 5: 1 potassium to sodium, for example, as supplied by mixtures of potassium hydroxide (hydrate) and sodium bicarbonate, which have desirable rheological properties. The compositions are sufficiently viscous, as to adhere to the fruit or the '. * Vegetables until they disperse, but are easily supplied, for example, by a spray device, either spray or pump activated by finger pressure. The levels and iden tities of the ingredients are adjusted to provide products having desirable viscosities as set forth herein, eg, more than about 2, preferably more than about 5, and more preferably about 10 centi oise when found. in the e xposure and less than about 150, preferably less than about 100, more preferably less than about 50 centiμoise subjected to shear stress of > "1000 sec-i The ability of preferred compositions containing mixtures of both sodium and potassium cations to shear thinning is important to promote ease of delivery, especially when the compositions are sprayable, while maintaining the ability to thicken, adhere and delay spillage after application of the product.The pH is preferably not greater than about 12. 5, and especially does not contain large amounts of pH regulator at higher pHs for the safety of the consumer *, especially when the compositions can be sprayed. Preservative. - Formulating the compositions herein at high pH reduces the tendency for biological growth of contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi or mold. At a neutral pH, an increased preservation of the condoms is required to ensure the lack of biological control through the contamination during the realization or use. Conventional food-grade condoms such as acetic acid and / or salts thereof, at a level of about * 0.01% to about 0% 2% of acid and alkaloid nitrate, or their Sodium and / or potassium salts can be used although, in general, the basic pH compositions herein do not require a condom. Ant iox idantes. - The use of commercial oleic acid, or oleate salts, can be accounted for by the development of bad odors and / or by amelioration of the compositions in which it appears. It is believed that these inconvenient properties are caused by the complex side reactions initiated by the oxygen reaction mainly with the polyunsaturated components of fatty acid supply. These results can be avoided, or reduced, by avoiding contact with the air or by controlling the quality of the fatty acid supply so that the amount and type of polymodates is reduced as described above, and / or by the addition of antioxidants. It has been found that the addition of tocopherols (e.g., Vitamin E, or tocopherol acetates) in alkaline formulations is convenient, because they do not degrade, nor do they impart a strong color. They inhibit the development of odors for long periods so that the need for essences to cover them is reduced or eliminated, particularly for the supply of high quality oleic acid as described above. The use of butylated phenols, such as BHT and BHA are also useful, but the amount should be limited to avoid coloring the compositions. Other food grade antigens, such as vitamin C and sulphites, are convenient for avoiding the deterioration of the compositions through the action of oxygen, but care must be taken since vitamin C may undergo color degradation and Sulfites can cause odor problems *. Sulfites have also been the target of potential health concerns. Fluid vehicle.- The main proportion, for example, more than about two thirds, (typically, 80% -98% by weight) of the compositions herein comprises water as the sol ubilization vehicle for the ingredients. As noted in the following examples, water-ethanol may also be employed and are especially preferred when formulating the basic pH compositions herein. The level of ethanol should preferably not exceed 2% in the solution used to clean the product, to avoid an alcoholic smell, especially when spraying. Other compatible solvents, soluble in water, of molecular weight ba or such as glycerol, are also used. The compositions herein are preferably 20 used by placing them in a package comprising either an aerosol container or a non-aerosol spray device "spray means". Said spraying means are any of those that are activated manually, preferably "trigger type", means for producing * a spray of liquid drops as well as the known technique. Sprinkler edios such as those described in the Patents of L..U.A. Nos .: 4,082,223, Nozawa, issued on April 4, 1978; 4, Lbl, 288, McKinney, issued July 7, 1979; 4558,021, by Tada et al., Issued December 17, 1985; 4,434,917, Saito y ros, issued March 6, 1984; and 4,819,035, Tasar-1, issued April 11, 1989, all of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference. The spray bottle, or the container * may be any of those commonly used to contain hard surface cleaning detergent compositions. Examples of bottles are those in the utility model of the F.U.A. We ...: 244,991, Ueel-man et al., Issued July 12, 1977; and 275, 078, Uassergord et al, issued August 14, 1984, said patents are hereby incorporated by reference. The spray means herein may also include those that incorporate a compatible propellant gas in a liquid and those that will foam even in detergent compositions having a viscosity less than about 15 cps. The device can also be one that can be adjusted, either to give a liquid spray or foam.

Spray means in the present typically are those that act with a discrete amount of the composition, t? P? They are filled with a piston that displaces the composition and extrudes it through a nozzle to create a non-dense liquid spray. The preferred ingredients include the compositions herein that are suitable for use in the methods described thereon, in a package that can provide a spray, such articles are not widely sold. The clear advantages of individual consumers using such products are: typical use involves treating individual items of agricultural product that would make the preparation of a "bath" useless, in a preferred process for using the products described herein, especially those formulated for used with full force, the product is sprayed onto the food product to be cleaned, carved, rinsed and / or cleaned with a suitable clean material such as a cloth, sponge or paper towel, etc. Surprisingly, the compositions and The procedures described herein may provide effective disinfection / sanitation in order to provide for the disappearance of microorganism Especially bacteria, higher concentrations and / or longer exposure times should be used. Typically, the products should be used with full force and should be allowed to remain on the agricultural product for at least about u minute preferably for at least about 5 minutes and, for some microorganisms, even ten minutes may be needed. The longer exposure times (ie, the time the bacteria are in contact with the product) have greater antirnicrobial benefits. The importance of time depends on both the pH of the product and the concentration of the formula. At high pH (> 11.5) and high concentrations, bacterial efficiency is achieved quickly, lower pH values (pH <11) and lower formula concentrations, a longer exposure time is needed to achieve the same effectiveness. The higher pHs are generally better. This factor is important for the performance of the product on the Gram negative bacteria, for example, Escherichia coli and Pseudornonas species. The higher the pH of the product, the faster and more complete the elimination occurs. The opposite is true for Gram positive bacteria, for example., Staphylococcus aureus. The performance is the same, or a little better, as the pH decreases from 11.5 to 9.5. However, this is only true when the formula contains oleic acid. As stated above, higher formula concentrations (when made independently of pH) improve the antirnicrobial efficacy of the product. The presence of oleic acid is a key factor for performance on Gram-positive S. aureus organisms, while pH is probably a major factor for the Grarn negative bacteria, eg, E. coli and Pseudomonas species. The packaging of the product herein in a container with instructions for use in terms of time and the avoidance of dilution in order to provide sanitizing / disinfecting properties, will assist the individual consumer in providing information for proper use. in order to eliminate / disappear microorganisms. A special advantage of the product is that it can be used? for that purpose at the same time in the food production procedure where recontamination is reduced. The compositions can also be used to clean (especially to remove stains) disinfect, or sanitize, on inanimate and non-food domestic surfaces (ie, any surface that is not used as food, even those that are not in contact with food), especially those used in the production of food and other surfaces that are in contact with food (surfaces that come into contact with food). For example, chopping boards, countertops, utensils, plates, strainers, sinks, sponges, towels, dryers, cloth napkins, tablecloths and other surfaces that come in contact with food. It is convenient to disinfect, sanitize the surfaces before they come in contact with the food, and it is convenient to disinfect / sanitize as long as the surfaces co-re-contaminate. The products in La presente, which contain all the GRAS ingredients, are perfect for this purpose. On hard surfaces, of course, the compositions may be removed, after sufficient time has elapsed), by rinsing or by absorption / 1 with a suitable object, eg, paper towel, sponge, brush, etc. from joma, etc. I still do? [Refer <; - * • 1 e juage. The composition of this invention can also be used * to * ratify other household surfaces that are not in contact with food, such as fabric, for example. , clothes, shoes and bathroom curtains, specifically those used by children, especially toys, diapers, and bottles. Contaminated fabrics can be disinfected / sanitized, then rinsed or washed, and the risk reduced if the child swirls the cloth or other article in the mouth. The fabric can be treated completely, or by treatment of areas, then the composition is removed, for example, by rinsing / cleaning, by absorbency, and / or mechanical force. For fabrics, the pH of the compositions is preferably less than about 11.5, more preferably less than about 11. For fabrics and hard surfaces, the distribution of the compositions of this invention is achieved using a spray device, a roller, a pad, etc., or submerging them in a "bathroom" of dLchas compositions. A preferred method is aspersion. All parts, percentages and relationships €) n the present are "by weight" unless otherwise stated. All numerical values are approximate unless it is tab 1 ezca < He is 11 * a inane a. The following examples illustrate the compositions and methods of this invention, but are not intended to limit them. The exemplified basic liquid compositions can be prepared * at a pH of 9.5-12.5 by dissolving the ingredients in water or water-otanol using conventional mixing apparatuses. In a convenient way, the water is placed in a recirculating mixer *. Potassium hydroxide, orthophosphoric acid, any citric acid, any bicarbonate, glyce ma (processing aid), and any ethanol in the named sequence are added with stirring. Oleic acid is added with high shear stress and stirring is continued. The PEG (which can conveniently be dispersed in advance in water) is then added. The ingredients of optional perfumes can be added at any time after the oleic acid is dissolved in the mixture.

EXAMPLE 1 Ingredient Control A B Water Product level% level% level% n i ve% Water 90.93 90. 0 88.20 100.00 KOH 1.33 1.33 3.06 Ethanol 2.00 2.00 2.00 Glicer ina 2.00 2.00 2.00 Acid or le ico 2.64 2.64 2.64 B ic rone or sodium 0.55 0.55 0.55 Phosphoric acid 1.00 Citric acid 0.52 0.52 0.52 Essence 0.03 0.03 0.03 Net pH 11.5 12.0 12.2 -7.5 Glass flasks are coated with AP-40 lacquer and cured by tension for 24 hours @ 140F. The flasks are then washed at room temperature with - 5 grams (5 jets of a Calmar sprinkler # TS-800) of the respective products with 10 sec. rub, followed immediately by a rinse of water and letting it dry. The percentage of removal of wax is determined gravírnetpcarnente. % Wax Removal Control 14%, A 9%, B 38%; and Water 0%. Note: A vs. B shows a benefit for the addition of phosphoric acid at a similar pH.

EXAMPLE 2 Ingredient e Cont rol A B C% level Product level% nor level% level and water reference Water 90.93 88.08 88.05 88.05 100.00 KOH 1.33 3.06 * 3.06 * 3.06 Ethanol 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Oleic acid 2.64 2.64 2.64 2.64 2.64 Bi carbonate of sodium 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.55 Phosphoric acid 1.00 1.00 1.00 Citric acid 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 Essence 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 PEG 3350 = 0.12 0.15 0.15 0 Net pH 11.5 12.6 12.0 11.5 ~ 7.5 * Use of target KOH, small amounts of additional KOH are used, replacing water, to adjust the final pH. Using variations in wax, curing, friction time and flask temperature, the above compositions are used to clean in a manner similar to that of Example 1, followed by a determination of the percentage of wax removed. The conditions and results of a test are as follows.

% Wax Removal Wax / curtain / 1 stipulation part / Cont rol A 0 Water at the end of the temperature Lacquer / 60 inm 075C / 1O sec / w ork environment 51 97 73 83 Carnauba / 60 rnin 043C / 1O sec / 1 ernpe rat ur * a arnb ie nt 64 82 75 73 Lac / 60 ruin 0750/20 sec / 40F 57 97 96 97 I aca / 30 rnin 930/20 sec / tenper atura arnb i ent e,; > Q 98 61 The compositions of Examples 1 and 2 are prepared by aggregating oleic acid to the mixture of water, KOH, citric acid, phosphoric acid (if used), sodium bicarbonate, glycepna and ethanol. Finally, PEG 3350 (if used) and essence are added.

EXAMPLE 3 Ingredient A B C D Product level% level% level% level% Water 89.79 90.63 88.068 88.91 KOH 2.12 1.28 2.842 2.00 Etanoi 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Glycerin 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Oleic acid 2,643 2,643 2,643 2,643 Sodium bicarbonate 0.547 0.547 0.547 0.547 Phosphoric acid 1.00 1.00 Citric acid 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 Essence n.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 PEG 3350 .350 .350 .350 .350 Net pH 10 11.5 10.5 The above formulas are evaluated according to their ability to eliminate various conventional microorganisms. Small adjustments were made to the pH of the formulas immediately - * - before making the pi uoba ant macrobios for the previous net pH values. The formulas eliminate conventional microorganisms effectively and the formulas that contain phosphonic acid are better, especially at a low pH. The amount of time required to control microorganisms is greater than would be used in a normal cleaning operation. Therefore, it is important to pack the product in a container with instructions to leave enough time for effective disposal to take place.

EXAMPLE 4 Ingredient A B Product or level% level% Oleic acid 2.64 2.20 Sodium bicarbonate 0.55 0.55 Phosphoric acid 1.00 Citric acid 0.52 0.52 EDTA, sodium salt 0.05 0.10 Perfume ORAS 0.05 0.00 PEG 3350 2.00 KOH * • * - * Ethanol 2.00 2.00 Water Remaining Remaining * Sufficient amount to obtain a pH of approximately 11. ** Amount sufficient to achieve a pH of approximately LO.5 Each of the compositions of examples 1 control, 4A, and 4B are used to spray on a contaminated counter top of a kitchen counter, left on the surface for approximately 10 minutes, then rinsed to provide a health benefit. Each of the compositions of control examples 2, 4A or 4B is used to spray over a contaminated area of a 50/50 polyester / cotton shirt, leaving it on the fabric for approximately 10 minutes, then the treated shirt is added to a load of laundry to be washed in a normal way in an automatic washing machine with a commercial detergent to provide a sanitation benefit.

EXAMPLE 5 Ingredient Weight% Water 73.26 PEG 3350 0.79 KOH 5.70 EthaneL 6.00 Gil cerina 3.00 Acid or leico 7.90 Baking soda 1.60 Phosphoric acid 1.00 Citric acid 1.56 Essence (grapefruit oil) 0.09 The composition concentrated in example 5 can be mixed, for example, with distilled water in one part of the product and two parts of water until uniformly mixed and then used as a lower active liquid.

EXAMPLE 6 Ingredient Weight% Tripotassium Phosphate (TKP) 48. , 8 Potassium citrate 10. . 2 PEG 3350 4. . 3 Potassium oleate 36. The dry anhydrous composition in example 6 can be mixed, for example, with distilled water in one part of product and a pair of water until dissolved / mixed uniformly and then used in a liquid form.

Claims (16)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS l. - A method for reducing * the level of micro-gases in agricultural products comprising the step of contacting the surfaces of said agricultural products with an aqueous cleaning solution comprising at least approximately 5% detergent surfactant. and that it has a physical pH of more than about 10 for a time in excess of about one minute and sufficient to make a significant reduction in microorganisms compared to the same procedure where the solution is rinsed immediately.
2. 2. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution comprises: (a) from about 0.01% to about 15% of Cß-Ciß fatty acid; (b) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (c) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base anionic surfactant; (e) optionally, a toxicologically basic pH regulator; (f) optionally, an acceptable toxicological preservative; (g) optionally from about 0.05% to about 10% phosphoric acid; and (h) the remainder comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, a toxic organic solvent of low molecular weight *; wherein said aqueous solution has a pH of no more than 10.5.
3. 3. The method according to claim 2, furthermore being said because said agricultural product comprises fruits and vegetables and wherein said aqueous cleaning solution comprises: (a) about 0.05%, approximately 10% oleic acid; (b) optionally, about 0.3% to about 1% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (c) optionally, from about 0.2% to about 4% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base ammonium surfactant; (e) choice of a toxicologically basic pH regulator; (f) optionally, a toxicologically acceptable condom; < g) optionally from about 0.1% to about 5% phosphoric acid; and (h) the remainder comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, an acceptable toxic organic solvent of low molecular weight; wherein said aqueous solution has a pH of no more than about 10.5.
4. 4. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that the aqueous cleaning solution comprises from about 0.3% to about 2% by weight of acid or? * T o- phos forico, wherein said organic polycarboxylic acid Aculo et i lendi mint et raacet i co, and wherein said aqueous cleaning solution has a pH of about 11.5 to about 1. .
5. 5. A method according to claim 4, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution has? an improved useful printing for fruits and vegetables, and comprises: (a) by at least approximately 0.75%, by weight, of oleic acid or salt thereof; and ib) at least approximately 0.05%, by weight, of a water-soluble polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight * of about 200 or more.
6. 6. A method according to claim 5, further characterized in that the component (b) has a molecular weight on the scale of about 300 to about 9500 and wherein the weight ratio of (a) :( b) is in the scale of around * from 1: 2 to approximately 30: 1.
7. 7. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that component (a) is potassium oleate, and said organic polyoxylic acid is citric acid.
8. 8. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that the pH of said aqueous cleaning solution is in the range of about 11 to about 12.3 and wherein said microorganisms are bacteria.
9. 9. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution has a viscosity of less than about 100 centipoise under shear and greater than about 1000 sec-i.
10. 10. A method according to claim 9, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution has a viscosity of less than about 50 centi.
11. 11. A method according to claim 3, characterized *.
12. The aqueous cleaning solution comprises acetyl derivative of toionja 12.
13. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution remains in contact with said agricultural products for at least about five minutes. - A method in accordance with the claim 2, further characterized in that said aqueous cleaning solution remains in contact with said agricultural products for at least about five minutes and said microorganisms are bacteria.
14. 14. A trade item comprising a container containing an aqueous cleaning solution comprising: (a) from about 0.01% to about 15% of Cß-Ciß fatty acid; (b) optionally, about 0.1% by weight 4% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (c) optionally, about 0.1% about * 4% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of a stable base ammonium surfactant; (o) optionally, a regulator of basic toxicolologically acceptable pH; (f) optionally, a toxicological and acceptable preservative; (g) optionally, from about 0.05% to about 10% phosphoric acid; and (h) the moiety comprising an aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, the collodically acceptable organic solvent of low molecular weight; wherein said aqueous solution has a pH no greater than about 10, and wherein said container has instructions for fabric treatment comprising the instruction to apply the solution to said fabric and allow the solution to remain in contact for at least about 1 minute.
15. 15. The article of commerce according to claim 14, further characterized in that said aqueous cleansing solution comprises: (a) from about 0.05% to about 10% oleic acid; (b) optionally, from about 0.3% to about 1% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (c) optionally, from about 0.2% to about 4% by weight of organic polycarboxylic acid; (d) optionally, up to about 0.2% by weight of stable base anionic surfactant; (e) optionally, a basic toxicologically acceptable pH regulator; (f) optionally, a conologically acceptable toxi condom; (g) optionally, from about 0.3% to about 5% phosphoric acid; (h) the remainder comprising the aqueous vehicle selected from water and, optionally, a toxic organic solvent! ogi acceptable meat of low molecular weight; wherein said aqueous solution has a pH of from about 11 to about 12.5 and wherein said container has instructions to treat the fabric that they purchase in the process of applying the solution to the surface of said fabric and allowing that the solution remains in contact at least once and for all 5 rni nu t os.
16. 16. The article according to claim 15, further characterized in that said container is a spray container, suitable for use by an individual to clean agricultural products. 17.- The article in accordance with the claim 14, further characterized in that said container is a spray container *, suitable for use by * an individual to clean agricultural products. 18.- The article in accordance with the claim 15, further characterized in that said container is a spray container, suitable for use by an individual to clean agricultural products in which all the ingredients of said solution are GRAS, wherein there is at least 0.5% detergent.