Sc NISIN

Nisin is a natural food preservative that inhibits Gram-positive bacteria, including pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes, and spoilage microorganisms. It is used in a variety of foods, particularly dairy products, canned goods, meat products, and salad dressings, to extend shelf life and allow for reduced heat processing in some foods. Nisin (E 234 in Europe) is an approved food additive in many countries and is generally recognized as safe. 

How Nisin Works

Antimicrobial Action

: Nisin is a bacteriocin, a type of protein, produced by lactic acid bacteria that disrupts the membranes of Gram-positive bacteria, killing them. 

pH Sensitivity

: Its activity is enhanced at acidic pH levels, making it particularly useful in preserving foods like canned tomatoes and salad dressings. 

Reduced Heat Processing

: In canned products, nisin can control thermophilic sporeformers and allows for less intensive heat treatment, reducing energy consumption without compromising safety. 

Common Applications

Dairy Products

: Processed cheese, yogurt, and other pasteurized dairy products. 

Canned Foods

: Vegetables (potatoes, peas, mushrooms), cereals, and soups. 

Meat Products

: Canned ham, sausages, and other cured or vacuum-packed meats. 

Other Foods

: Liquid egg, high-moisture baked goods like crumpets, and salad dressings. 

Safety and Regulation

Approved Additive

: Nisin is approved as a food additive (E 234) in the EU and other countries like the United States. 

Established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

: Regulatory bodies like EFSA have set ADIs to ensure safety, and nisin has been evaluated for its use in various food categories. 

"Natural" Preservative

: Its origin from lactic acid bacteria makes it a popular choice for consumers seeking natural food preservatives. 

Nisin as a Food Preservative: Part 1: Physicochemical Properties …

Feb 12, 2015 — Abstract. Nisin is a natural preservative for many food products. This bacteriocin is mainly used in dairy and meat products. Nisin inhibits pathogenic food bor…

Taylor & Francis Online: Peer-reviewed Journals

Nisin: From a structural and meat preservation perspective

Nisin is widely used in dairy products, canned foods, vegetable proteins, pickles and cured meats (Register, 1988). Nisin, is a class of low molecular weight po…

ScienceDirect.com

Nisin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Nisin can be added to canned foods to control thermophilic sporeformers such as B. stearothermophilus and Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum, which may survive a…

ScienceDirect.com

Nisin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Abstract. Nisin is a bacteriocin produced by Lactoococcus lactis subspecies lactis that shows antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-positive veget…

ScienceDirect.com

Safety of nisin (E 234) as a food additive in the light of new …

Dec 11, 2017 — 1.2. Information on existing evaluations and authorisations. In 1990, the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) evaluated the safety of nisin and established an AD…

National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov)

Applications of the bacteriocin, nisin - PubMed

It is currently recognised as a safe food preservative in approximately 50 countries. The established uses of nisin as a preservative in processed cheese, vario…

National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov)

What Is Nisin Preparation (E234) In Food? Uses, Safety, Side Effects

Mar 9, 2020 — canned ham. smoked pork. salted pork. Sausages. vacuum-packed fresh beef.

FoodAdditives.net

Safety of nisin (E 234) as a food additive in the light of new toxicological data and the proposed extension of use | EFSA

Dec 11, 2017 — The panel confirmed an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.13 mg/kg body weight (bw). The EFSA has also considered the proposed extension of use of nisin in: * *

EFSA