NISIN AND BREWING

Abstract

Nisin, an internationally accepted food preservative has been shown to inhibit the growth of almost all Gram‐positive beer‐spoilage bacteria investigated. The initial effects on these bacteria appear to be upon the cell membrane. Nisin has little effect on most Gram‐negative bacteria and has no effect upon the growth and fermentation properties of brewing yeasts. Nisin activity survives kieselguhr filtration, fining and pasteurisation and has no effect on beer shelf life. Nisin has potential applications in preventing spoilage of worts or beers by Gram‐positive bacteria (particularly lactic acid bacteria). 1988 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling