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| Mitsubishi-Kagaku Foods Corporation |
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| June 2005 |
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| Safe antibacterial and antifungal agent derived from wasabi |
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| Wasaouro is a material that ingeniously makes use of the natural antibacterial power of wasabi. Here we present inside stories of the development and prospects of the product to be regarded as the natural antibacterial agent. |
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 Wasaouro antibacterial sheet to be simply placed on top of food before closing the lunchbox (top) and small green leaf pieces for lunchboxes. Wasaouro is also available in other forms such as labels and water-soluble preparations. |
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In Japan, the antibacterial action of wasabi (Japanese horseradish) has cleverly been incorporated into everyday life situations for a long time. For example, Japanese rice cakes are kept with wasabi to prevent fungi, and sashimi is served with wasabi to extend its freshness. Wasaouro is an antibacterial and antifungal agent making use of the power of wasabi. Allyl mustard oil, a pungent substance contained in wasabi or mustard has been scientifically proven to be highly effective in defending against bacteria and insects. We have established a unique technology employing volatile allyl mustard oil, and been distributing Wasaouro (its production is outsourced).
In 1990, we initiated the development of Wasaouro. We had focused on professional food industry with stable sales, and achieved a big success in the sheet-type product for lunchboxes released in the end of 1991. High incidence of O-157 in 1996 led us to enter the home consumer market in response to requests from housewives who wanted to use it for their children's lunchboxes. Repeated use by the housewives has contributed to the sound sales increase.
We have put together a comprehensive range of products for various uses such as sheets and pieces for lunchboxes for preserving freshness, exterior or interior labels for packages of bread or sweets for suppressing bacterial growth, cassettes for food showcases or shelves for warding off insects and fungi, and water-soluble preparations for preserving freshness of marine products. |
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Originally, an antibacterial agent derived from allyl mustard oil had been considered difficult to commercialize due to problems such as pungent odor, difficulty of processing and instability.
The first challenge was to obtain natural materials. Since the Food Sanitation Law specifies that natural materials shall be used if allyl mustard oil is to be utilized as an antibacterial agent, we collected materials from all over the world and conducted analysis. The conclusion was that black mustard was most suitable for that purpose. In order to stably derive allyl mustard oil in vaporized form, we collaborated with manufacturers with technological know-how in such fields as films, sheets, labels and packages. The collaboration had facilitated commercialization. As for the biggest challenge to prevent the transfer of pungent odor to food, repeated elaborate effectiveness tests lead to the development of an agent using a subtle amount of allyl mustard oil. Thus, Wasaouro, an antibacterial agent that protects the quality and safety of food without interfering its flavor, was created. |
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| Performance and prospects |
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Wasaouro occupies more than 90% of the market share in the field of antibacterial agent for food derived from natural wasabi or mustard extract. Its reliable design and quality have gained consumers' trust. In NAMIHAYA National Athletic Meet in Osaka in 1997 for which Wasaouro was adopted, no food poisoning was reported. Furthermore, we received a letter of appreciation from the Osaka governor as the agent greatly reduced the unpleasant smell of leftovers. Since no one has ever been honored for such kind of achievement by secondary materials for lunchboxes, this incidence greatly encouraged us.
In promoting an antibacterial agent such as Wasaouro, it is most important to provide correct information in order to prevent the false assumption that it ensures 100% safety, as well as to make consumers rediscover the importance of food safety. Recently, the cassettes for showcases have been increasingly introduced in the food distribution industry including major domestic supermarkets, while inquiries from Asia and North America have rapidly increased. In Taiwan, it has been used for shoeboxes for distribution as a fungicide. With the US FDA approval in January of 2004, entry into the US market is now being expected. Also in the US, it will be used to keep away bacteria, fungi, and insects and preserve freshness. However, development of a new product design will be necessary due to the difference of package style between the US and Japan. |
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Mitsubishi-Kagaku Foods Corporation
11-1 Sibakoen 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011
TEL: [+81] (0)3-5403-9150 |
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