Natamycin and nisin to improve shelf life and minimize benzene generation in lemon soft drinks

Abstract Benzoic acids preservatives may be converted to benzene in soft drinks. The use of alternative antimicrobial compounds, specifically nisin and natamycin, would reduce benzene formation. Initially, doses of nisin and natamycin were tested against Lactobacillus plantarum lactic bacteria and Zygosaccharomyces bailii yeast. Using 167 UI/mL of nisin and 0.017% w/v of natamycin no microbial growth was reached on lemon-flavored soft drinks. The benzene formation was analyzed in a standard formulation (380 mg/L of sodium benzoate and 180 mg/L of potassium sorbate) and nisin and natamycn form...