12.12.11
Total Nutraceutical Solutions, Inc, Stevenson, WA, has obtained Canadian patent No. 2,680,223, "Use of Ergothioneine as a Preservative in Foods and Beverages.” The patent claims include but are not limited to a method of preserving a food, beverage or medicine with L-Ergothioneine, which replaces an antioxidant composition, antimicrobial composition and/or sulfur dioxide preservatives. The use claims apply to the preservation of canned, frozen, dried or fresh fruits, vegetables, red and white wine, beer, baked goods, fruit juices, butter, meats, pet foods, cosmetics, medicines, and even petroleum and rubber products. Similar patent applications are pending in the U.S. and the European Union.