Process and coating composition for extending the shelf life of post harvest produce

Abstract

The shelf life of fresh harvest produce is extended by coating the exterior surface of freshly harvested produce with a coating composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of polyvinylidene chloride copolymers containing from about 0.25 to 25% by weight of copolymer solids to water and between 0.001 and 20% plasticizer preferably a polyethylene oxide based additive such as Triton-X to weight of copolymer solids in the emulsion. The coating may also contain biocides as well to control bacteria and fungal growth an the post harvest produce during storage, shipping, distribution, and sale of the product. The coating composition is effective in extending the shelf life of produce.

1 . A process for preserving fresh produce comprising the step of coating the exterior surface of the produce with a coating composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of from about 0.25 to 25% by weight of polyvinylidene chloride copolymer, and from about 0.0005 to 10% by weight surfactant.  
   
   
       2 . A process as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the polyvinylidene chloride copolymer consists of polyvinylidene chloride-co-, acrylic acid, styrene, vinyl chloride, or combinations of the aforementioned co-monomers.  
   
   
       3 . A process set forth in  claim 1  wherein the surfactant is Triton-X45, Tergitol, and polysorbate or dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate.  
   
   
       4 . A process as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the coating composition includes from about 0.05 to about 0.1% by weight antimicrobrials.  
   
   
       5 . A process as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the coating composition includes from about 50 to 1000 parts per billion fungicides.  
   
   
       6 . A process as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the coating composition includes about 0.005 to 0.1% polydimethylsiloxane.  
   
   
       7 . A coating composition for the preservation of fresh produce comprising an aqueous emulsion of from about 0.25 to 25% by weight of polyvinylidene copolymer, and about 0.0005 to 10% surfactant.  
   
   
       8 . A coating composition as set forth in  claim 7  wherein the surfactant comprises Triton-X45, or Tergitol, or Tween, or dioctyl sodium succinate.  
   
   
       9 . A coating composition as set forth in  claim 7  including from about 0.05 to 2 5% by weight antimicrobrials.  
   
   
       10 . A coating composition as set forth in  claim 7  including from about 25 to 1000 parts per billion fungicides.  
   
   
       11 . A coating composition as set forth in  claim 7  including from about 0.005 to 0.1% antifoaming agent polydimethylsiloxane.