Liquid Smoke Coating for Mite Control on Dry-Cured Hams
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling mite infestations in dry-cured hams, such as methyl bromide, are environmentally harmful and unsustainable, and existing food-grade coatings do not effectively prevent mite growth without impacting the sensory qualities of the ham.
Innovation Solution
A food-grade coating composition combining liquid smoke with xanthan gum, propylene glycol, and/or carrageenan is applied to nets or directly to hams, providing pest protection and extending shelf life without affecting the sensory qualities of the ham.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If methyl bromide is used to control mite infestations, then pest protection efficacy is improved, but environmental harm increases and sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the pest control approach by changing the chemical parameters from synthetic fumigants (methyl bromide) to food-grade natural substances (liquid smoke, xanthan gum, propylene glycol, carrageenan). This parameter change maintains pest protection efficacy while eliminating environmental harm associated with ozone-depleting chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses food-grade coatings that can be applied and then washed off or degraded naturally, replacing persistent environmental contaminants with temporary, biodegradable protective layers that fulfill their pest control function and then harmlessly decompose.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing food-grade coatings are applied to prevent mite growth, then safety is improved, but pest protection efficacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite coating system combining multiple food-grade ingredients (liquid smoke as active antimicrobial agent, xanthan gum or propylene glycol or carrageenan as carriers/thickening agents) to achieve both food safety and effective pest protection. The synergistic interaction between components enhances overall efficacy while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a food-safe barrier, provides pest protection against mites, maintains sensory qualities of the ham, and extends shelf life. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single coating system that accomplishes both safety and efficacy requirements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If coatings are applied to control pests, then shelf life is extended, but sensory qualities may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of coating ingredients to achieve effective pest protection while maintaining sensory acceptance. By carefully controlling the levels of liquid smoke and carrier ingredients, the coating provides sufficient protection without imparting unwanted flavors or textures that would degrade sensory quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The coating composition effectively controls mite growth and reproduction, extending the shelf life of dry-cured hams for up to eight weeks while maintaining the ham's sensory properties.
Implementation Method 1
a food-grade coating composition for controlling pest infestation and pest reproduction on or in food, or both
Implementation Method 2
The present inventors have discovered that the use of liquid smoke with xanthan gum controlled mite growth
Data Source
AI summary
A food-grade coating composition for controlling pest infestation and pest reproduction on or in food, or both, wherein the composition comprises mixtures containing liquid smoke and at least one of xanthan gum, propylene glycol, alginate, and/or carrageenan, and the composition can be infused into a container to be placed on or around the food.