Delays and reduces mold growth during cheese maduration
At Concentrol. we have developed a new antifungal coating that delays and reduces the appearance of mold during cheese maduration. This new coating enhances its antifungal effectiveness thanks to the incorporation of a new polymer base that reduces mold proliferation on the rind.
This new technology can be adapted to specific physochemical application requirements of each customer. Coatings can be applied by dipping, spraying, brushing machines, or manually. It can also be combined with other types of preservatives and all kinds of colors.
This antifungal effectiveness was first observed in Concentrol’s new microbiological laboratory and later confirmed after under normal usage conditions in different clients, with positive results.
These new coatings comply with food contact regulations (EU Regulation No. 10/2011). They have also Halal and Kosher certification.
This new product allows the different antifungal treatments to be spaced between 15 and 21 days. This was tested in real conditions of use in different cheeseries.
Microbiological study perfomanced by Concentrol R&D Team Project
A microbiological study was carried out in Concentrol’s laboratories to evaluate the inhibition of mold growth on cheese plates using the new polymer base.
For this purpose, Penicillium discolor spores were used and inoculated onto the cheese at a known and equal concentration across all replicates. Subsequently, different coatings under study were applied. The microbiological conditions used in this study were the most unfavorable possible, meaning a high concentration of microorganisms in the environment.
The following were studied:
- White coating, standard polymer without any preservative
- Coating with the same standard polymer containing 1000 PPM of natamycin
- Modified polymer base without preservatives
In the graph showing the percentage of plates with mold growth over time, the new polymer base demonstrates better inhibition of Penicillium discolor growth, increasing the number of days required for mold colonies to appear.
In the following images, we can observe that although Penicillium discolor colonies eventually appear—since they were inoculated at a high concentration to promote growth—they do so in smaller quantities and with reduced size when the coating with the new polymer base is applied. Clearly, with the new technology only a few mature colonies are observed after 8 days from inoculation, whereas the standard coating with natamycin shows dozens of colonies.
IMAGE 1. Polymer with 1000 PPM natamycin
IMAGE 2. New Polymer base
In the R&D + I department, we work to develop tailor-made solutions for each need of our customers. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to provide you with any further information you may need.