Sterilized moist snuff and method

Abstract

Sterilized moist tobacco products and methods for sterilizing moist tobacco products are provided. The moist tobacco is subjected to a thermal stabilization treatment after it has been packaged in its final, consumer-ready container. Such thermal stabilization pasteurizes, sterilizes or otherwise treats the finished moist tobacco so that the concentration of undesirable microflora present within the product is reduced or eliminated. By heating the moist tobacco after is has been packaged, harmful microorganisms are destroyed and spoilage is substantially delayed or does not occur at all without the need for refrigeration of the container. The volatile compounds in the tobacco, such as flavors, are retained in the container. Downstream TSNA production may also be reduced and the shelf life can be extended.

1 . A process for treating a moist tobacco product comprising the step of:
 subjecting a sealed container having an amount of moist tobacco packed therein to a thermal stabilization treatment.   
   
   
       2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the microorganism count of said moist tobacco after treatment is less than the microorganism count immediately prior to said treatment. 
   
   
       3 . The process of  claim 2 , wherein said moist tobacco immediately after said thermal stabilization treatment is aseptic. 
   
   
       4 . The process of  claim 3 , wherein the microorganism count of said moist tobacco immediately after said thermal stabilization treatment is reduced by at least about 99%. 
   
   
       5 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the microorganism count of said moist tobacco immediately after said thermal stabilization treatment is reduced by at least about 50%. 
   
   
       6 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal stabilization treatment is applied for a period of time sufficient to reduce said bacteria count of said moist tobacco by about 50% to 100%. 
   
   
       7 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal stabilization treatment is applied for less than about 3 hours. 
   
   
       8 . The process of  claim 7 , wherein said thermal stabilization treatment is applied for about 3 minutes to about 2 hours. 
   
   
       9 . The process of  claim 8 , wherein said thermal stabilization treatment is applied for about 3 minutes to 10 minutes 
   
   
       10 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal stabilization treatment is conducted at a temperature greater than about 150° F. 
   
   
       11 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the moisture content of said moist tobacco is less than about 55%. 
   
   
       12 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the moisture content of said moist tobacco is greater than about 20%. 
   
   
       13 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein after the thermal stabilization treatment, the process further includes the step of cooling the tobacco container having an amount of moist tobacco packed therein. 
   
   
       14 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein said tobacco container is cooled to between about 50 and 90° F. 
   
   
       15 . A process for treating a moist tobacco product comprising the steps of:
 packaging a moist tobacco product in a tobacco container;   sealing the container hermetically;   heating the sealed tobacco container to a temperature sufficient to destroy microorganisms in the moist tobacco; and   cooling the container.