Kemin Industries presented a session during the 2024 Tortilla Industry Association (TIA) Convention and Trade Show, May 9-10 in Las Vegas. 

Gokila Thangavel, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Kemin Food Technologies – North America, discussed “Uses of Liquid Preservatives for Clean Label Tortillas.” Thangavel highlighted microbial spoilage in tortilla and bread products, the economic impact food waste has on the food chain, and the mode of action of various preservatives and clean label alternatives, to help manufacturers delay oxidation and keep products fresher for longer.

“Microbial spoilage is a major factor impacting the shelf life of tortilla and bread products,” said Thangavel. “As manufacturers seek to minimize rising costs and reduce food waste, it is important they understand how to control microbes, manage moisture, balance texture, and ultimately delay oxidation to ensure products stay fresher for longer. Our latest efficacy studies compare both traditional preservatives and natural antimicrobial options, showcasing their efficacy and cost implications.” 

The educational presentation offered the following key takeaways, including:

• Review of microbes and molds of concern in tortilla products and factors that influence spoilage
• Mode of action of preservatives and efficacy, cost, and sensory impact
• The latest naturally derived clean label antimicrobial alternatives offered by Kemin Food Technologies – North America
• Overview of the Kemin team’s most recent efficacy studies of tortilla and bread products

“As the fresher, safer, longer experts, Kemin is here to help tortilla manufacturers troubleshoot common challenges and create tortillas that stay soft and pliable throughout their shelf life,” added Thangavel. “We also have the capability to work with customers at our Bakery Innovation Center, which allows us to mirror commercial processes to help customers find the best formulation to make trouble-free tortillas your customers will love without taking resources away from production.”

Kemin Food Technologies – North America offers a complete suite of tortilla solutions, including dough conditioners and softeners; enzyme blends and batch packs; and mold inhibitors. The solutions—ranging from complete drop-in options and premixes to individual functional ingredients such as mold inhibitors, enzymes, emulsifiers, and gum blends—help manufacturers offer high-quality tortillas that consumers love. Kemin offers solutions in liquid and dry varieties with label-friendly, organic, and non-GMO options.

Learn more about Kemin shelf life solutions that help to keep tortillas fresh and appealing.

Learn more about the Kemin portfolio of food ingredient solutions. 

About Kemin Industries
Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuel, and animal vaccine industries.