| ≥1 piece |
Nisin is a natural antimicrobial agent used as a preservative in heat processed and low pH foods. According to the Food Chemical News Guide (a reference guide to the uses of foods additives permitted under Federal Law), a nisin preparation is a concentrate of dry material derived from the controlled fermentation of a naturally occurring milk bacteria Streptococcus lactis. This bacterium contains nisin, a group of related peptides (partial amino acid chains that make up proteins) with antibiotic activity. The chemical nisin cannot be synthesized artificially, so the nisin-producing bacteria are basically farmed for their synthesis of nisin.
How is it made?
Technical specifications for nisin indicate that the process begins by fermenting the milk bacteria. The resulting nisin is concentrated, separated, and dried before milling into fine particles and standardized by the addition of sodium chloride (salt). The resulting typical composition is nisin (2.5%), sodium chloride (greater than 50%) ,protein (23.8%), and moisture (less than 3%).
Is it safe?
Nisin is listed as a "natural preservative" in chemical dictionaries. In addition, nisin as "replacement or partial replacement of chemical preservatives." Nisin was awarded the Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) designation in the U.S. Federal Register of April, 1988 and is approved as a natural food preservative in the United States. It is also approved as a natural food preservative by more than 40 other countries as well as with the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization and the European Union. The Nisaplin brand of nisin is certified kosher, as well.