Resorcix, Gat Foods Launch Clean-Label Solution for Preventing TAB Spoilage
Gat Foods, part of International Beer Breweries, Ltd. (IBBL), and Israeli startup Resorcix, Ltd., have introduced FLAVORWATCH, a natural, botanical ingredient with the ability to prevent Thermophillic Acidophilic Bacteria (TAB) spoilage in clear, fruit-based beverages. FLAVORWATCH can maintain the flavor of a beverage throughout its shelf life while mitigating TAB spoilage.
TAB refers to a group of nonpathogenic microbes belonging to the Alicyclobacillus family and is common in still, ready-to-drink (RTD), non-alcoholic beverages. TAB is able to withstand pasteurization and can multiply rapidly in acidic environments. TAB originates from certain ingredients that are frequently used in beverage preparation, such as sugar, pectin, water, and fruit concentrate. Good manufacturing practices can reduce TAB but cannot eliminate it entirely, necessitating periodic batch testing and isolation, which is costly, time-consuming, and not 100 percent effective. Indications of TAB spoilage in beverages include a hazy appearance, a clove-like smell, and a medicinal taste.