Resorcix, Gat Foods introduce natural solution for preventing decades-old problem of TAB spoilage in clear, fruit-based beverages
Resorcix, Gat Foods introduce natural solution for preventing decades-old problem of TAB spoilage in clear, fruit-based beverages
Gat Foods, part of International Beer Breweries, and Israeli food-tech startup Resorcix, has launched FLAVORWATCH, an innovative natural, botanical ingredient with the ability to prevent Thermophillic Acidophilic Bacteria (TAB) spoilage in clear, fruit-based beverages.
Resorcix says FLAVORWATCH maintains the beverages’ organoleptic characteristics, fully retaining the original flavour throughout the shelf life, and delivers a long-lasting sensory experience in clear, high-acid still beverages.
This solution is poised to create a brighter – and clearer – future for soft drinks.
Gat Foods, a leading provider of fruit-based beverage solutions, partnered with Resorcix, to develop FLAVORWATCH, patent-pending, nature-derived solution to the problem of TAB spoilage. The bacteria strain, which negatively impacts the quality and organoleptic properties of most categories of still, non-alcoholic beverages, has been baffling beverage bottlers for decades.
The story of TAB
TAB originates from certain ingredients frequently used in beverage preparation, such as sugar, pectin, water, and fruit concentrate. GMP measures can reduce TAB but cannot eliminate it entirely. This necessitates periodic batch testing and isolation which is costly and time-consuming, and still not 100% bullet proof.
Pasteurization – one of the common methods used for microbial treatment – does not eliminate heat-resistant TAB spores. In fact, since pasteurization kills most vegetative bacteria and fungi, it actually eliminates microbial competition and stimulates the outgrowth of TAB.
Keeping TABs on spoilage
Indications of TAB spoilage in beverages include a hazy appearance and, upon opening the bottle, discharge of a smoky, clove-like smell. It also imparts a medicinal off taste. The bacteria multiply shortly following the bottling process, especially in warm weather.
Although nonpathogenic, the unpleasant results of TAB contamination typically lead to a large volume of customer complaints and can ultimately trigger a costly recall and damaged reputation.
FLAVORWATCH contains natural compounds with a proven bacteriolytic effect, disintegrating TAB cells in the germination phase. This prevents the bacteria from producing off-flavoured and unpleasant smelling metabolites.
“The precious rainforest is known to reveal surprising botanical treasures,” says Yehoshua Maor, PhD, pharmacologist, toxicologist, founder and CSO of Resorcix. “Our FLAVORWATCH solution is based on a botanical oleoresin that naturally possesses anti-TAB spoilage properties.”
Maintaining brand reputation
“Building a CPG brand leaves zero room for failures in quality control,” says Shachar Shaine, CEO of Gat Foods. “Consumers deserve full transparency and maximum quality throughout the entire shelf life of a beverage. But while TAB-related recalls can damage a company’s image and destroy consumer trust in the brand, we can help bottlers keep their positive brand image.”
Lior Sinai, PhD and CTO of Resorcix, adds: “Bacteriologists know that spores are almost impossible to eradicate. That’s why we were extremely excited to discover natural molecules of plant origin that can eliminate these multi-resistant bacterial spores.”
Natural flavouring
FLAVORWATCH is classified as a natural flavouring by FDA, EFSA, JETRO (Japan), and Israeli Ministry of Health regulations, and appears as such on label. Its mild herbal flavour is so slight it cannot be sensed in the beverage, as only a minimal amount is necessary to maintain the product’s clear appearance and sensory attributes. It works throughout the shelf life as a clean-label ingredient.
In both pilot and industrial-scale tests supervised by microbiologist Roni Shapira, PhD, of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, a FLAVORWATCH -treated, pineapple-based, ready-to-drink beverage showed zero colonies of Alicyclobacillus over a span of six months. The same beverage continued to maintain its TAB-free status for a further eight months in an independent analysis.
What drinks is FLAVORWATCH suitable for?
FLAVORWATCH is suitable for a variety of still, clear, ready-to-drink beverages, such as fruit beverages, fruity water and iced tea. It is easy to implement and highly cost effective, readily able to be incorporated into beverage bases or syrups in the preparation phase or added directly to the beverage tank before pasteurization. It can reduce the need for added flavourings, as it allows for pasteurization at lower temperatures, making it an energy-efficient solution. This, in turn, substantially reduces the number of lab tests required, shortening time-to-market, and minimizing the risk of recalls.
