Patent ID: 8323673

Claim:
A method, comprising: (1) providing a concentrated quaternary ammonium compound solution comprising: a quaternary ammonium compound with a concentration from greater than about 10% by weight; wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting of: (a) an alkylpyridimium salt represented by formula (I): wherein n is 9-21; and X is a halide; (b) a tetra-alkylamminium salt represented by formula (II): wherein n is 9-21; R is selected from the group consisting of CH 3 and C 2 H 5 ; and X is a halide; and (c) an alkylalicyelic ammonium salt represented by formula (III): wherein n is 9-21; Z is 4-5; R is selected from the group consisting of CH 3 and C 2 H 5 ; and X is halide and at least one solubility enhancing agent that comprises a dihydric alcohol; (2) diluting said concentrated quaternary ammonium compound solution; and (3) applying a micorobial growth inhibiting amount of said solution to a food product or to a body of an animal from which said food product is prepared for a time sufficient to prevent microbial growth on the food product or body of the animal.