PURPOSE: To safely and effectively carry out sterilization and bacteriostasis without almost impairing taste, etc., which a food itself has and so as to be reasonable in cost.

CONSTITUTION: This antimicrobial agent contains two or more compounds among edible acids, salts of the edible acids and ethanol. These acids are one or two or more acids selected from lactic, acetic, propionic, butyric, citric, fumaric, succinic, adipic, malic, tartaric and gluconic acids and these salts of edible acids are preferably one or two or more salts selected from sodium salts, potassium salts, ammonium salts, calcium salts and magnesium salts of these acids. The antimicrobial agent is preferably used for fresh fishes and shellfishes, fresh vegetables, fruits, etc. The antimicrobial agent is used by a method comprising cleaning a food with the agent or immersing the food into the agent for a definite time.