FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of chemistry, and in particular relates to natural or food grade antimicrobial cleaning composition. The present disclosure relates to a process for preparing said composition and its use thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In our fast-evolving present-day world, the smallest of creatures like viruses and bacteria have shown extensive advancements in terms of spreading numerous infectious or non-infectious human diseases. Fortunately, there are strong evidences that humans have always managed to overrule them with the help of various natural and synthetic antimicrobial formulations developed.

[0003] Eatables like vegetables, fruits, and the like reaches consumer homes via several routes, thereby, exposing such vegetables, fruits and produce to various pathogens which include microbes and viruses. Exposure to such microbes including viruses can potentially cause mild to severe infections in humans, for example, from common cold to influenza, food poisoning, skin infection, candidiasis, urinary tract infection (UTI), blood infection, lung infection, Covid, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), inter alia. The development of various surface cleaning methods has also advanced over time, leading to development of various synthetic surface cleaning composition and formulations to alleviate such problems.

[0004] Chinese patent application, CN104130878B discloses a fruit and vegetable cleaning agent based on the combination of synthetic surface cleaning surfactants. It discloses surface wax removal to retain the surface respiration of fruits and vegetables cleaned.

[0005] Chinese patent application, CN102115700A also discloses a fruit and vegetable cleaning agent comprising gelatin, hydrolytic gelatin, ethanol and sodium citrate for the purpose of cleaning fruit and surfaces. It discloses removal of the surface settled dirt, pesticides and wax layer which could be harmful for human consumption.

[0006] Chinese patent application, CN101613640B relates to a natural surface-active agent for cleaning fruits and vegetables, disclosing a composition comprising Chinese soapberry extract, ginger extract, and alkyl polyglucosides. The composition has a good cleaning effect with less chances of side effects.

[0007] Despite the extensive research done in this field, the presently available cleaning compositions are majorly derived using synthetic components. Use of synthetically derived cleaning compositions is perceived by the consumer to be potentially unsafe on application to vegetable or fruit surfaces. Therefore, there persists a dire need to come up with a completely natural ingredient-based fruit and vegetable cleaning composition that overcomes the consumer perception of less safety associated with synthetic ingredients used in the prior known cleaning compositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) tamarind concentrate in the range of 0.002%-20% (w/w); (b) vinegar in the range of 0.002%-20% (w/w); (c) alkyl polyglucoside in the range of 0.001%-10% (w/w); (d) polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.001%-5.0% (w/w); (e) thymol in the range of 0.0001% -5% (w/w); (f) sodium benzoate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); (g) potassium sorbate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); and (h) sodium methyl paraben in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process of preparing the composition, said composition comprising, (a) a natural organic acid;

(b) a surfactant; and (c) an active of essential oil; and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, said process comprising: (a) blending solvent, the active of essential oil, the surfactant, and optionally the perfume to obtain a first mixture; (b) mixing pH stabilizer and edible natural salt to obtain a second mixture;

(c) preparing a solution of the natural organic acid and water to obtain a first solution;

(d) gradually adding to the first mixture, the second mixture, and the first solution to obtain the composition, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5.

[0011] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition, for use in cleaning surfaces of food material selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces, for removal of surface residual pesticides and wax, if any, as well as for germ removal. In particular, the present disclosure relates to surface cleaning of uncut vegetables and fruits.

[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions, and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.

Definitions

[0014] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are delineated here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.

[0015] The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

[0016] The terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as “consists of only”.

[0017] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.

[0018] The term “including” is used to mean “including but not limited to”. “Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.

[0019] The term “one or more” used herein refers to individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

[0020] The term “at least” used herein refers to not less than or at a minimum. [0021] The term natural organic acid refers to any of the various acids including the weak organic acids containing one or more carbon-containing radicals, derived from a natural source or is nature -based.

[0022] As used herein, the term “surfactant” refers to wetting agents or surface acting agents that can form amphipathic micelles which lower the liquid-liquid or liquidsolid surface tension. The present disclosure includes sugar-based surfactant belonging to the class of alkyl polyglucosides as well as specific surfactant like polysorbate 80, though not restricted to.

[0023] The term “essential oil”, as used herein, refers to a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile chemical compounds or actives obtained by distillation and having the characteristic odour of the plant or other source from which it is extracted. The active of essential oil, as used herein also possesses anti-microbial effect, specifically, anti-viral effect.

[0024] The term “natural index”, as used herein, refers to an index indicating values for any composition based on the natural source of the components in the said composition. Natural index values determine whether the said composition follows ISO16128-1 or not.

[0025] The term “preservative”, as used herein, refers to a chemical ingredient added to the composition of the present disclosure to help prevent decay and spoilage of the final product which could render the product un-useable and possibly dangerous for human consumption.

[0026] The term “pH stabilizer”, as used herein, refers to a chemical ingredient from the category of buffering agents, added to the composition of the present disclosure to maintain the pH of the composition at a neutral pH level.

[0027] The term “solvent”, as used herein, refers to a chemical ingredient that facilitates complete dissolution of other polar and non-polar ingredients, as per the present disclosure. [0028] The term moisturizer , as used herein refers to a moisture imparting ingredient, that is used for the purpose of moistening the surface of application, as per the present disclosure.

[0029] The term “perfume”, as used herein refers to a fragrance imparting agent, that is used for the purpose of providing an overall fragrance to the composition of the present disclosure, that is similar to the source of said perfume.

[0030] The term “tamarind concentrate”, as used herein refers to natural extract obtained on crushing the tamarind along with requisite amount of water depending upon the concentration of said concentrate. The tamarind concentrate as per the present disclosure is obtained commercially and is referred to as tamarind concentrate-65 ^º BRIX.

[0031] The term “microorganism”, as used herein refers to various viral or bacterial or fungal or yeast strains that are generally found on the surface of any object, preferably, uncut vegetables and fruits, and possibly can harm human health on either coming into direct contact or on consumption.

[0032] The term “removal”, as used herein refers to elimination or inhibition or killing of a microorganism on a surface of any object, preferably, uncut vegetables and fruits. “Removal” and “germ removal” are used interchangeably.

[0033] Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a weight % range of 0.002%-20% should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of 0.002%-20% (w/w), but also to include sub-ranges, such as 0.005-10% (w/w), 3-15% (w/w), 5-18% (w/w), and so forth, as well as individual amounts, including fractional amounts, within the specified ranges, such as 0.008% (w/w), 2.5% (w/w), 15.7% (w/w), and 18.8% (w/w), for example.

[0034] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, the preferred methods, and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] As it is discussed in the background, the present-day cleaning compositions competing to provide better cleaning effects has focused extensively into applications comprising synthetic ingredients. Surface contact of such cleaning compositions may lead to harmful side effects in case of food materials, such as vegetables and fruits meant for direct ingestion or consumption after cleaning. Synthetic ingredients also may lead to adverse problems to human health on ingestion, as is normally perceived by the consumer. As such, surface cleaning compositions involves the use of effective but hard synthetic cleaning agents, which could potentially deteriorate the surface quality of eatables being cleaned. There exists the need therefore to come up with a completely natural or food grade vegetable and fruit cleaning composition, which, when used shall result in far lesser surface quality deterioration, and also assure the consumer on safety aspects.

[0036] In view of this, the present disclosure relates to a composition for cleaning surface of eatable, like vegetable and fruit comprising natural or food grade ingredients, said ingredient includes tamarind concentrate, natural vinegar, alkyl polyglucoside, baking soda (food grade), natural thymol crystals, ethyl alcohol, sodium benzoate (food grade), potassium sorbate (food grade), polysorbate 80, glycerine USP, edible natural salt, naturally derived perfume, and DM water. The composition as per the present disclosure has demonstrated synergistic results for the cleaning effect on food materials, such as vegetable and fruit surfaces. The present composition has used tamarind concentrate and natural vinegar to impart antimicrobial properties to the cleaning composition in addition to similar properties provided by natural thymol crystals and edible natural salt. The present disclosure employed a mix of natural or food grade ingredients, which function, both as an effective surface cleaning agent and a germ removal agent. Moisturizer used in the present composition safeguard the surface of the material to be cleaned, from the harsh effect of other ingredient by maintaining a hydrated surface and ensuring that surface deterioration is minimal . The use of spray-pump to deliver the cleaning formulation to the vegetable or fruit surface ensures a wider surface area coverage and additionally ensures the removal of surface wax, pesticides and microorganisms, if present initially, without involving direct human contact. Thus, the spray-pump format or by diluting the product in water followed by dipping vegetables/fruits minimizes human contact with the food materials, like uncut vegetables and fruits. It also affords to provide better surface cleaning, pesticide and wax removal, germ removal properties, with least or no side effects. This formulation is also amenable to be used upon direct dipping of uncut fruits and vegetables into its diluted version in water.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition has a natural index of at least 90% or at least 91% or at least 92% or at least 93% or at least 94% or at least 95% or at least 96% or at least 97% or at least 98% or at least 99% or 100%.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid selected from tartaric acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or combinations thereof; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5, and wherein the natural organic acid is selected from the class of weak organic acids.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid is obtained from tamarind concentrate, vinegar, or combinations thereof; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the natural organic acid is the combination of tamarind concentrate and vinegar.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid is obtained from tamarind concentrate, vinegar, or combinations thereof, and wherein the tartaric acid in the tamarind concentrate is in the range of 2% -20% (w/w) and the acetic acid in the vinegar is in the range of 2%-20% (w/w); (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tartaric acid in the tamarind concentrate is in the range of 5%-15% (w/w) and acetic acid in the vinegar is in the range of 5%-15% (w/w). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tartaric acid in the tamarind concentrate is 12% (w/w) and acetic acid in the vinegar is 13% (w/w).

[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil selected from thymol, eugenol, menthol, geraniol, verbenone, eucalyptol, pinocarvone, cedrol, anethol, carvacrol, hinokitiol, berberine, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, methyl salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, terpineol, or combinations thereof, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil selected from thymol, eugenol, verbenone, eucalyptol, terpineol, cinnamic acid, methyl salicylic acid, or geraniol, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the active of essential oil is thymol.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.008:0.004:0.0015 to 40: 12:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 4:1.5:0.01 to 40: 10.5:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 1:1: 1 to 5:5:5.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant selected from alkyl polyglucoside, polysorbate, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium coco sulphate, lauryl alcohol ethoxylate, or combinations thereof; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the surfactant is alkyl polyglucoside. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the surfactant is polysorbate. In another embodiment, the surfactant is a combination of alkyl polyglucoside and polysorbate.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid selected from tartaric acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or combinations thereof; (b) a surfactant selected from alkyl polyglucoside, polysorbate, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium coco sulphate, lauryl alcohol ethoxylate, or combinations thereof; (c) an active of essential oil selected from thymol, eugenol, menthol, geraniol, verbenone, eucalyptol, pinocarvone, cedrol, anethol, carvacrol, hinokitiol, berberine, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, methyl salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, terpineol, or combinations thereof, and (d) one or more preservative selected from sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium methyl paraben, DMDM hydantoin, phenoxyethanol, chloroxylenol, chlorhexidine gluconate, or combinations thereof, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant is selected from alkyl polyglucoside, polysorbate, or combinations thereof; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant is selected from alkyl polyglucoside belonging to class of sugar-based surfactants, polysorbate as specific surfactant though not limited to, or combinations thereof; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the surfactant is obtained from the combination of alkyl polyglucoside and polysorbate.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; (d) one or more preservative; (e) an edible natural salt; (f) a pH stabilizer; (g) a solvent; (h) a moisturizer; and (i) a perfume, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; and (d) one or more preservative, selected from sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium methyl paraben, DMDM hydantoin phenoxyethanol, chloroxylenol, chlorhexidine gluconate, or combinations thereof, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the preservative is sodium benzoate. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the preservative is potassium sorbate. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the preservative is sodium methyl paraben. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the preservative is a combination of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the preservative is a combination of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium methyl paraben.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; (d) one or more preservative, (e) an edible natural salt; (f) a pH stabilizer selected from sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium carbonate, trisodium citrate, calcium hydroxide, or combinations thereof; (g) a solvent selected from ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, hexane, butylene glycol, or combinations thereof; (h) a moisturizer selected from glycerin, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, or combinations thereof; and (i) a perfume, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; (d) one or more preservative, (e) an edible natural salt; (f) a pH stabilizer is sodium bicarbonate; (g) a solvent is ethyl alcohol; (h) a moisturizer is glycerin; and (i) a perfume, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid selected from tartaric acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or combinations thereof; (b) a surfactant selected from alkyl polyglucoside, polysorbate, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium coco sulphate, lauryl alcohol ethoxylate, or combinations thereof; (c) an active of essential oil selected from thymol, eugenol, menthol, geraniol, verbenone, eucalyptol, pinocarvone, cedrol, anethol, carvacrol, hinokitiol, berberine, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, methyl salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, terpineol, or combinations thereof; (d) one or more preservative selected from sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium methyl paraben, DMDM hydantoin phenoxyethanol, chloroxylenol, chlorhexidine gluconate, or combinations thereof; (e) an edible natural salt; (f) a pH stabilizer selected from sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium carbonate, trisodium citrate, calcium hydroxide, or combinations thereof; (g) a solvent selected from ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, hexane, butylene glycol, or combinations thereof; (h) a moisturizer selected from glycerin, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, or combinations thereof; and (i) a perfume, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5, for use in cleaning surfaces of food material selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5, for use in cleaning surfaces of food material selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces, and wherein the cleaning comprises removal of wax and pesticides. [0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5, for use in germ removal, comprising the removal of a microorganism from the surface selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5, for use in germ removal, comprising the removal of a microorganism, and wherein the microorganism is selected from bacteria, virus, and fungi.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil, and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5, for use in germ removal, comprising the removal of a microorganism, and wherein the microorganism is selected from bacteria, virus, and fungi, and wherein the virus is an enveloped or non-enveloped virus, and the enveloped virus is selected from HlNlvirus, Coronavirus, Herpes simplex virus, pox virus, retrovirus, or murine virus. [0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) tamarind concentrate in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (b) vinegar in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (c) alkyl polyglucoside in the range of 0.001%-10.0% (w/w); (d) polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.001%-5.0% (w/w); (e) thymol in the range of 0.0001%-5.0% (w/w); (f) sodium benzoate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); (g) potassium sorbate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); and (h) sodium methyl paraben in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition has a natural index of at least 90% or at least 91% or at least 92% or at least 93% or at least 94% or at least 95% or at least 96% or at least 97% or at least 98% or at least 99% or 100%. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tamarind concentrate in the range of 0.02%-20% (w/w) and the vinegar in the range of 0.02%-20% (w/w).

[0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) tamarind concentrate in the range of 1.0%- 15.0% (w/w); (b) vinegar in the range of 1.0%- 15.0% (w/w); (c) alkyl polyglucoside in the range of 0.01%-10.0% (w/w); (d) polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.01%-5.0% (w/w); (e) thymol in the range of 0.01%-5.0% (w/w); (f) sodium benzoate in the range of 0.001%-1.5% (w/w); (g) potassium sorbate in the range of 0.001%-1.5% (w/w); and (h) sodium methyl paraben in the range of 0.001%-1.5% (w/w), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) tamarind concentrate in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (b) vinegar in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (c) alkyl polyglucoside in the range of 0.001%-10.0% (w/w); (d) polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.001%-5.0% (w/w); (e) thymol in the range of 0.0001%-5.0% (w/w) ; (f) sodium benzoate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); (g) potassium sorbate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); and (h) sodium methyl paraben in the range of 0.001 %-2.0% (w/w), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, for the use in cleaning surfaces of food material selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) tamarind concentrate in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (b) vinegar in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (c) alkyl polyglucoside in the range of 0.001%-10.0% (w/w); (d) polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.001%-5.0% (w/w); (e) thymol in the range of 0.0001%-5.0% (w/w); (f) sodium benzoate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); (g) potassium sorbate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); and (h) sodium methyl paraben in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, for use in germ removal, comprising the removal of a microorganism from the surface selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces, wherein the microorganism is selected from bacteria, virus, and fungi.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) tamarind concentrate in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (b) vinegar in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (c) alkyl polyglucoside in the range of 0.001%-10.0% (w/w); (d) polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.001%-5.0% (w/w); (e) thymol in the range of 0.0001%-5.0% (w/w); (f) sodium benzoate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); (g) potassium sorbate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); and (h) sodium methyl paraben in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, for use in germ removal, comprising the removal of a microorganism from the surface selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces, wherein the microorganism is selected from bacteria, virus, and fungi, and wherein the virus is selected from an enveloped or non-enveloped virus, and the enveloped virus is selected from H1N1 virus, Coronavirus, Herpes simplex virus, pox virus, retrovirus, or murine virus.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) tamarind concentrate in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (b) vinegar in the range of 0.002%-20.0% (w/w); (c) alkyl polyglucoside in the range of 0.001%-10.0% (w/w); (d) polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.001%-5.0% (w/w); (e) thymol in the range of 0.0001%-5.0% (w/w); (f) sodium benzoate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w); and (g) potassium sorbate in the range of 0.001%-2.0% (w/w), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, for the use in cleaning surfaces of food material selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces; and for use in germ removal, comprising the removal of a microorganism from the surface selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces, wherein the microorganism is selected from bacteria, virus, and fungi, and wherein the virus is an enveloped or nonenveloped virus, and wherein the enveloped virus is selected from H1N1 virus, Coronavirus, Herpes simplex virus, pox virus, retrovirus, or murine virus.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) natural organic acid obtained from tamarind concentrate and vinegar in the range of 0.004%-40.0% (w/w); (b) surfactant having the combination of alkyl polyglucoside and polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.002% - 15.0% (w/w); (c) active of essential oil as thymol in the range of 0.0001%-5.0% (w/w); (d) preservative having the combination of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium methyl paraben in the range of 0.003%-6.0% (w/w); (e) pH stabilizer as sodium bicarbonate in the range of 0.01% - 10.0% (w/w); (f) edible natural salt in the range of 0.002% -10.0% (w/w); (g) moisturizer as glycerin in the range of 0.001%-10.0% (w/w); (h) solvent as ethyl alcohol in the range of 0.001%- 20.0% (w/w); and (i) water (qs), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition has a natural index of at least 90% or at least 91% or at least 92% or at least 93% or at least 94% or at least 95% or at least 96% or at least 97% or at least 98% or at least 99% or 100%. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) natural organic acid obtained from tamarind concentrate and vinegar in the range of 0.004%-40.0% (w/w); (b) surfactant having the combination of alkyl polyglucoside and polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.002% -15.0% (w/w); (c) active of essential oil as thymol in the range of 0.0001 %-5.0% (w/w); (d) preservative having the combination of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate in the range of 0.002%-4.0% (w/w); (e) pH stabilizer as sodium bicarbonate in the range of 0.01% - 10.0% (w/w); (f) edible natural salt in the range of 0.002% -10.0% (w/w); (g) moisturizer as glycerin in the range of 0.001%- 10.0% (w/w); (h) solvent as ethyl alcohol in the range of 0.001%- 20.0% (w/w); and (i) water (qs), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) natural organic acid obtained from tamarind concentrate and vinegar in the range of 0.004%-40.0% (w/w); (b) surfactant having the combination of alkyl polyglucoside and polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.002% - 15.0% (w/w); (c) active of essential oil as thymol in the range of 0.0001%-5.0% (w/w); (d) preservative having the combination of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium methyl paraben in the range of 0.003%-6.0% (w/w); (e) pH stabilizer as sodium bicarbonate in the range of 0.01% - 10.0% (w/w); (f) edible natural salt in the range of 0.002% -10.0% (w/w); (g) moisturizer as glycerin in the range of 0.001%-10.0% (w/w); (h) solvent as ethyl alcohol in the range of 0.001%- 20.0% (w/w); and (i) water (qs), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, for use in cleaning surfaces of food materials selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) natural organic acid obtained from tamarind concentrate and vinegar in the range of 0.004%-40.0% (w/w); (b) surfactant having the combination of alkyl polyglucoside and polysorbate 80 in the range of 0.002% - 15.0% (w/w); (c) active of essential oil as thymol in the range of 0.0001%-5.0% (w/w); (d) preservative having the combination of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium methyl paraben in the range of 0.003%-6.0% (w/w); (e) pH stabilizer as sodium bicarbonate in the range of 0.01% - 10.0% (w/w); (f) edible natural salt in the range of 0.002% -10.0% (w/w); (g) moisturizer as glycerin in the range of 0.001%-10.0% (w/w); (h) solvent as ethyl alcohol in the range of 0.001%- 20.0% (w/w); and (i) water (qs), wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, for use in germ removal, comprising the removal of a microorganism from the surface selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces, wherein the microorganism is selected from bacteria, virus, and fungi. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the virus is selected from an enveloped or non-enveloped virus, and wherein the enveloped virus is selected from H1N1 virus, Coronavirus, Herpes simplex virus, pox virus, retrovirus, or murine virus.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process of preparing the composition, said composition comprising, (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, said process comprising: (a) blending solvent, the active of essential oil, the surfactant and optionally the perfume to obtain a first mixture; (b) mixing pH stabilizer and edible natural salt to obtain a second mixture;

(c) preparing a solution of the natural organic acid and water to obtain a first solution;

(d) contacting the first mixture, the second mixture, and the first solution to obtain the composition, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition in the said process has a natural index of at least 90% or at least 91% or at least 92% or at least 93% or at least 94% or at least 95% or at least 96% or at least 97% or at least 98% or at least 99% or 100%.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process of preparing the composition, said composition comprising, (a) a natural organic acid;

(b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, said process comprising: (a) blending solvent, the active of essential oil, the surfactant and optionally the perfume to obtain a first mixture; (b) mixing pH stabilizer and edible natural salt to obtain a second mixture;

(c) preparing a solution of the natural organic acid and water to obtain a first solution;

(d) contacting the first mixture, the second mixture, and the first solution to obtain the composition, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, and wherein the process involves the step of addition of pH stabilizer prior to the contacting step (d), to maintain the pH of the solution between 4.5 - 5.0. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process of preparing the composition, said process comprising the step of addition of one or more preservative, and moisturizer to the second mixture. [0069] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process of preparing the composition, said composition comprising, (a) a natural organic acid;

(b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, said process comprising: (a) blending solvent, the active of essential oil, the surfactant and optionally the perfume to obtain a first mixture; (b) mixing pH stabilizer and edible natural salt to obtain a second mixture;

(c) preparing a solution of the natural organic acid and water to obtain a first solution;

(d) contacting the first mixture, the second mixture, and the first solution to obtain the composition, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40: 15:5, and wherein contacting the first mixture, the second mixture, and the first solution to obtain the composition is carried out at ambient temperature for 10-12 hours by maintaining the pH of the reaction mixture between 4.5-5.0.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning composition comprising: (a) a natural organic acid; (b) a surfactant; (c) an active of essential oil; and (d) one or more preservative, wherein the composition has a natural index of at least 90%, and the natural organic acid to the surfactant to the active of essential oil weight ratio is in the range of 0.004:0.002:0.0001 to 40:15:5, for use in germ removal, comprising the removal of a microorganism from the surface selected from uncut vegetable surfaces, and fruit surfaces, wherein the microorganism is selected from the group consisting of bacteria, virus, and fungi, and wherein the virus is an enveloped or non-enveloped virus, and wherein the enveloped virus is selected from H1N1 virus, Coronavirus, Herpes simplex virus, pox virus, retrovirus, or murine virus, and wherein the composition is delivered in pump spray format or in diluted format. [0071] In embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for germ removal, wherein the method comprises removing a microorganism from the surface selected from vegetable surface, or fruit surface, by applying the composition as described herein.

[0072] In embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for germ removal, wherein the method comprises removing a microorganism selected from bacteria, virus, and fungi, from the surface selected from vegetable surface, or fruit surface, by applying the composition as described herein; and wherein the virus is an enveloped or non-enveloped virus; and the enveloped virus is selected from HlNlvirus, Coronavirus, Herpes simplex virus, pox virus, retrovirus, or murine virus. [0073] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. As such, the spirit and scope of the disclosure should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only.

EXAMPLES

[0074] The disclosure will now be illustrated with the working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one ordinary person skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, the exemplary methods, devices and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may apply. Materials and Methods

[0075] To prepare the cleaning composition of the present disclosure, natural or food grade ingredients were used in the prescribed weight ranges as per the present disclosure. The natural or food grade vegetable and fruit surface cleaning composition comprised obtaining tamarind concentrate-65 ° BR1X, natural vinegar, alkyl polyglucoside, baking soda (food grade), natural thymol crystals, ethyl alcohol, sodium benzoate (food grade), potassium sorbate (food grade), polysorbate 80, glycerine USP, edible natural salt, perfume and DM water as depicted in Table 1. The method of the present disclosure involve mixing of the said ingredients in a manner as prescribed by the present disclosure.

Table 1. List of ingredients of the disclosed composition with respective CAS numbers.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of natural or food grade antimicrobial surface cleaning composition

[0076] The natural or food grade vegetable and fruit surface cleaning composition as per the present disclosure, involves the mixing of ingredients as per the prescribed weight ratio ranges in Table 2. The mixture of tamarind concentrate - 65° BRIX (0.002-20% w/w); natural vinegar (0.002-20% w/w); alkyl polyglucoside (0.001-10% w/w); baking soda (food grade) (0.01-10% w/w); natural thymol crystals (0.0001-5% w/w); ethyl alcohol (0.001-20% w/w); sodium benzoate (food grade) (0.001-2% w/w); potassium sorbate (food grade) (0.001-2% w/w); sodium methyl paraben (0.001-2% w/w); polysorbate 80 (0.001-5% w/w); glycerine USP (0.001-3% w/w); edible natural salt (0.002-5% w/w); perfume (0.1 -0.2% w/w); and demineralized (DM) water (q.s.-100% w/w) was prepared to serve as the cleaning composition disclosed by the present disclosure.

[0077] The method of the present disclosure involved a stepwise process, wherein the said process comprises of preparing a 10% solution of fresh tamarind extract subjected to filtration to remove the insoluble parts. The tamarind extract in specific w/w % as per Table 2, was then mixed with desired quantity of demineralized (DM) water as per the present disclosure. The DM water and tamarind extract mixture were then added with natural vinegar in an amount shown in Table 2, followed by mixing for 2 minutes. An aqueous solution of 8% (w/w) baking soda (interchangeably used with sodium bicarbonate) (food grade) and 15% (w/w) natural edible salt was prepared and filtered to remove any insoluble impurities. After mixing, the pH of the solution was maintained between 4.5-5, by adding requisite amounts of prepared baking soda solution (food grade) and natural vinegar. The baking soda (food grade) was added at a very slow rate to allow effervescence to cease. Post maintaining the pH of the prepared solution, the solution was added in sequential order with requisite amounts of sodium benzoate, and then potassium sorbate, followed by the addition of sodium methyl paraben IP and then alkyl polyglucoside, followed next by glycerine addition, and filtered edible salt solution at last, as per Table 2. The components were added serially in requisite amounts as per the present disclosure, ensuring complete dissolution of every ingredient added. The solution prepared was then mixed with another blend, the said blend obtained by sequential mixing of the ingredients in requisite amounts as per the present disclosure, said blend comprising sequential mixing of first ethyl alcohol, and then thymol, and then polysorbate 80, with perfume at last, followed by mixing of the said blend and prepared solution for 5 minutes to ensure complete dissolution of all ingredients, lire pH of the final blend prepared was ascertained to be in a range of 4.5-5. The final blend after filtration was then transferred to storage tank, where it was kept for 12 hours and pH was ensured within the range of 4.5-5 before final filling into the spray-pump bottles.

[0078] The end product comprised a spray pump format bottle, the pump sprays the prepared final blend in the form of fine atomized droplets on the vegetable or fruit surface.

[0079] The use of tamarind concentrate - 65° BRIX and natural vinegar imparted effective surface cleaning by removing surface pesticides or wax. The combination of ethyl alcohol and polysorbate 80 as solvent provide solubility for all the polar and non-polar additives used in the composition. Baking soda was included in the composition as pH stabilizer as it maintained the neutral pH value, after mixing the acidic ingredients of the composition. Addition of natural thymol crystals showed additive effect over edible natural salt used in the present composition, as they imparted the anti-microbial properties to the surface cleaner as per the present disclosure. Alkyl polyglucoside and polysorbate 80 were employed as natural or food grade surfactants to aid better cleaning effects to the present composition. The present composition ensures minimal surface deterioration resulting from the harsh effects of the cleaning composition, by employing glycerine in 0.001-3% w/w range to create moisturized effect on the cleaning site. The present composition provides fragrant odors, due to the addition of perfume. Water acts as a diluent in the present composition. Table 2. Compositional information of the antimicrobial surface cleaning composition.

EXAMPLE 2 Surface cleansing assessment

[0080] The surface cleaning properties of the cleaning composition as prepared in Example 1 based on effectiveness of the cleansing performed by the said composition. To evaluate the surface cleaning properties, mass spectrometry (GC MSMS and LC MSMS) and/or weight measurement method was performed before and after the application of the disclosed cleaning composition. The test for wax removal efficacy was based on measurement of weight difference of the wax over the uncut vegetable or fruit surface, before and after the application of the cleaning composition. The test for pesticide removal was based on the solvent extraction and measurement of the pesticide over the uncut vegetable or fruit surface, before and after the application of the cleaning composition. This test involved measurement by mass spectrometry for the determination of percentage removal of the applied pesticide.

[0081] The methods involved the application of known amount of pesticide or wax over the test vegetable or fruit surface (on which test was to be conducted), followed by spraying of the cleaning composition of the present disclosure over the test vegetable or fruit surface for a stipulated period or by diluting the product in water followed by dipping vegetables/fruits as per the present disclosure. The test vegetable or fruit were then washed under the tap or running water for the removal of pesticides or surface wax.

Wax removal efficacy

[0082] The surface cleaning properties of the cleaning composition as prepared in Example 1 on vegetable and fruit surface was assessed for its wax removal efficacy. To evaluate the wax cleaning effectiveness of the cleaning composition on fruit and vegetable surface, a representative fruit (apple) was selected and coated with wax. The test fruit, a representative from the fruits which has maximum wax coating, was coated with paraffin wax. The cleaning of the wax coating on the fruit surface was measured using weight difference method, wherein the weight was measured before and after the application of the cleaning composition.

[0083] The results showed appreciable wax removal, about 74 % as shown in Table 3. Table 3 represents the % wax removal on the test fruit apple of the cleaning composition of the present disclosure.

Table 3. Average percent wax removal using cleaning composition of the present disclosure. Pesticide removal efficacy

[0084] The surface cleaning properties of the cleaning composition as prepared in Example 1 was assessed for its pesticide removal efficacy. To evaluate this pesticide cleaning effectiveness of the cleaning composition on fruit and vegetable surface, representative pesticides were selected and their amount was analyzed on the vegetable and fruit surface before and after the composition treatment. The experimental analysis was carried out with analytical GCMSMS/LCMSMS techniques. Four different pesticides were used for the study. Solvent extracts of the composition treated and untreated were analyzed through analytical

GCMSMS/LCMSMS with instrument set parameters and pesticides concentration was determined. The concentration differences before and after application of cleaning composition were then calculated in percent pesticide removal.

[0085] The results showed appreciable pesticide removal, ranging above 41 % as shown in Table 4. Table 4 represents the % pesticide removal on the test fruit apple and test vegetable Tomato of the representative composition.

Table 4. Percent removal of pesticides effectiveness of cleaning composition

[0086] The above results (Tables 3 and 4) clearly demonstrate the wax removal and pesticide removal effectiveness of the cleaning composition.

EXAMPLE 3 Antimicrobial assessment

[0087] The antimicrobial surface cleaning composition meant for vegetable and fruits as prepared in the Example 1 was assessed for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral efficacies using standard tests. The antimicrobial assays measures the effectiveness of antimicrobial activity of the cleaning composition by determining the germ removal percentages, on application of the test cleaning composition to certain standard select microorganism. The standard test performed to check the effectiveness of the cleaning composition were European suspension standard test BS EN1276 and European suspension standard test BS EN1650.

[0088] BS EN1276: The disinfecting properties of the composition were measured by its bactericidal activity using the method laid out in British Standard EN 1276 "Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics - Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of bactericidal activity of, chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas (Phase 2, step 1)”. The bactericidal activity was assessed versus 4 standard bacterial strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, and Enterococcus hire ATCC 10541.

[0089] The test comprised of mixing 1 ml of the test bacterial preparation with 1 ml of an interfering substance either in simulating "clean" conditions, wherein the interfering substance comprises of 0.03% bovine albumin, or in simulating "dirty" conditions, wherein the interfering substance comprises 0.3% bovine albumin. To this mixture was added, 8 ml of the composition under test. This mixture was allowed a five-minute contact time.

[0090] After standing for the five-minute contact time, 1ml of the mixture was removed and was immediately mixed with 9 ml of a recovery/neutralizer solution, to inactivate the killing action of the composition. After neutralization, the sample was plated on petri plates to evaluate the viability reduction of bacteria post exposure to the test composition. The reduction in viable counts was then calculated and expressed in logarithms to base 10. The antibacterial efficacy is measured in terms of log reduction or percentage kill/removal of the test organism.

[0091] The test results showed appreciable germ removal data, ranging above 85% in all cases of the said microorganisms as shown in Table 5. Table 5 represents the antibacterial activity against 4 standard bacterial strains of a representative composition.

Table 5. Bacterial percentage removal data as per European suspension standard test BS EN1276. [0092] BS EN1650: The European suspension standard test BS EN1650 is performed to determine the antifungal activity of a chemical formulation or products thereof to form a homogenous, physically stable preparation for ready to use purpose. BS EN1650 was performed to assess the fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of the present surface cleaning composition disclosed herein. The test was conducted for microorganisms including Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404. Table 6 represents the antifungal activity against one standard fungus and one standard yeast strain of a representative composition. The test results showed appreciable fungi & yeast removal data, ranging above 34% in both the cases of the said microorganisms as shown in Table 6. Table 6. Fungal percentage removal data as per European suspension standard test BS

EN1650.

[0093] Additionally, the present cleaning composition disclosed herein also showed appreciable antiviral activity against Escherichia virus MS2. MS2 bacteriophage is a virus lacking lipid envelope that provides its resistance to general disinfectants, environmental stressors like temperature changes, desiccation, and osmotic pressure. However, the cleaning composition whose antibacterial and antifungal activity has been described above, showed a 57% antiviral activity on MS2 bacteriophage. Further to the present disclosure, the cleaning composition disclosed herein also showed commendable antiviral activity against Covid- 19 virus (Human Coronavirus 229E).

EXAMPLE 4

Preparation of natural or food grade antimicrobial surface cleaning composition and its antimicrobial assessment

[0094] In an example, the antimicrobial surface cleaning composition of the present disclosure was prepared by a stepwise process involving the mixing of ingredients as per the prescribed weight ratio ranges in Table 7.

Table 7. Compositional information of the antimicrobial surface cleaning composition.

[0095] Tiie tamarind concentrate in specific w/w % as per Table 7, was mixed with desired quantity of DM water. The mixture was then added with natural vinegar in an amount depicted in Table 7, followed by mixing for 2 minutes. An aqueous solution of baking soda (interchangeably used with sodium bicarbonate) (food grade) and natural edible salt was prepared and filtered to remove the insoluble parts. After mixing, the pH of the solution was maintained between 4.5-5, by adding requisite amounts of prepared baking soda solution (food grade) and natural vinegar. The baking soda (food grade) was added at a very slow rate until the released effervescence had ceased.

[0096] Subsequent to maintaining the pH of the prepared solution, the solution was added in sequential order with requisite amounts of sodium benzoate, then potassium sorbate, then sodium methyl paraben IP and then alkyl polyglucoside, followed next by addition of glycerine, and filtered edible natural salt solution at last, as per Table 7. The components were added serially in requisite amounts, ensuring complete dissolution of every ingredient added. The solution prepared was then mixed with another blend, the said blend obtained by sequential mixing of the ingredients in requisite amounts as per the present disclosure, said blend comprising sequential mixing of first ethyl alcohol, and then active of essential oil (thymol), and then polysorbate 80, with perfume at last, followed by mixing of the said blend and prepared solution for 5 minutes to ensure complete dissolution of all ingredients.

[0097] The pH of the final blend prepared was ascertained to be in a range of 4.5-5. The final blend after filtration was then transferred to storage tank, where it was kept for 12 hours and pH was ensured within the range of 4.5-5 before final filling into the spray-pump bottles. The end product comprised of a spray pump format bottle, the spray pump sprays the prepared final blend in the form of fine atomized droplets on the vegetable or fruit surface. Thus, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure was obtained.

Microbiological removal assessment

[0098] The cleaning composition prepared was then assessed for antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral efficacy. The standard test performed to check the effectiveness of the composition were European suspension standard test BS EN1276 and European suspension standard test BS EN1650.

[0099] The bactericidal activity of the composition was assessed against 4 standard bacterial strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, and Enterococcus hire ATCC 10541, with a contact time of five minutes. BS EN1650 was performed to assess the fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of the composition against microorganisms including Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404.

[0100] The antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of the prepared composition is shown in Table 8. The presence of tamarind and vinegar in conjunction with the surfactant system buffered to a mild acid pH of approximately 5.5 displayed a very high activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. Table 8. Bacterial and fungal percentage removal data.

[0101] The antiviral activity of the cleaning composition was assessed against Escherichia virus MS2 (MS2 bacteriophage). MS2 bacteriophage is a non-enveloped virus that is resistant to general disinfectants, environmental stressors like temperature changes, desiccation, and osmotic pressure. The standard test performed to check the effectiveness of the composition against MS2 bacteriophage was ASTM E2783: "Standard Test Method for Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity for Water Miscible Compounds Using a Time-Kill Procedure". The composition and MS2 bacteriophage was allowed five-minute contact time.

[0102] Similarly, the virucidal activity of the composition against Human Coronavirus 229E was also assessed with a contact time of five minutes. Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) is a species of coronavirus which infects humans and bats. It is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus, which generally causes mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illness.

[0103] The effectiveness of the composition against HCoV-229E was analyzed using EN 14476: 2019. This European Standard specifies a test method and the minimum requirements for virucidal activity of chemical disinfectant and antiseptic products that form a homogeneous physically stable preparation when diluted with hard water or in the case of ready-to-use products. To pass the test EN 14476: 2019, a log 3 reduction (99.9% kill/removal) of the virus must be attained. The antiviral efficacy of the composition is shown in Table 9.

Table 9. Virus percentage removal data. [0104] In an independent assay against the Human Coronavirus (HCoV-E229) strain, extremely high efficacies with the composition was observed (>3 log reduction). Hence, it illustrates that a MS2 kill/removal of >20% ensures high virucidal activity against the human Coronavirus form. Thus, cleaning composition of the present disclosure comprising tamarind concentrate and vinegar along with the surfactant system buffered to a mild acid pH of 5.5, in addition to antibacterial activity, also exhibits a strong virucidal action against the human Coronavirus.

[0105] The combination of mixture of organic acids, active of essential oil, surfactant and preservative maintained at a mild acid pH of approximately 5.5 to ensure the stability of the cleaning composition comprising natural ingredients of the present disclosure demonstrates strong broad spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal efficacies and moderate efficacy towards bacteriophage MS2. Additionally, a high degree of virucidal activity against the human coronavirus strain has been observed.

[0106] The above results clearly demonstrate the synergistic working amongst the ingredients which comprise the cleaning composition of the present disclosure. The following examples further highlight the criticality of the presence of each component of the cleaning composition of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLE 5 Effect of components of natural or food grade antimicrobial surface cleaning composition on the antimicrobial efficacy of the composition

[0107] The example involves the study of effect of components on the antimicrobial performance of the cleaning composition. The composition comprising 1% tamarind concentrate prepared in Example 4 was considered as a control composition (Inventive Example) with the prescribed weight as shown in Table 10. The comparative compositions Cl, C2 and C3 were prepared by the process of the present disclosure as per the prescribed weight in Table 10, to understand influence on the antimicrobial or germ removal properties of the cleaning compositions in relation to its activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, fungi and its virucidal efficacies.

Table 10. Compositional information of the inventive and comparative cleaning compositions.

[0108] As can be observed from the above Table, the comparative composition Cl was prepared without the tamarind concentrate. Similarly, the comparative composition C2 was prepared without the natural vinegar. The comparative composition C3 comprising both tamarind concentrate and natural vinegar was prepared with the exclusion of surfactant (alkyl polyglucoside), active of essential oil (thymol), pH stabilizer (baking soda) and preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium methyl paraben).

Antimicrobial efficacies of comparative compositions Cl, C2 and C3

[0109] The comparative compositions Cl, C2, and C3 were assessed for antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral standard test. The standard test performed to check the effectiveness of CT, C2, and C3 were European suspension standard test BS EN1276 and European suspension standard test BS EN1650.

[0110] The bactericidal activity was assessed against 4 standard bacterial strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, and Enterococcus hire ATCC 10541, with a contact time of five minutes.

[0111] Table 11 represents the antibacterial activity against 4 standard bacterial strains of the comparative compositions Cl, C2 and C3.

Table 11. Bacterial percentage removal data of the comparative compositions.

[0112] BS EN1650 was performed to assess the fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of the comparative cleaning compositions against microorganisms including Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404. Table 12 represents the antifungal activity against one standard fungus and one standard yeast strain of the comparative compositions Cl, C2 and C3.

Table 12. Fungal percentage removal data of the comparative compositions.

[0113] It is clear from Table 11 that none of the compositions are better than the cleaning composition IE in terms of their bactericidal effect. As shown in Tables 11 and 12, the composition Cl without the tamarind concentrate exhibits good antibacterial and yeasticidal efficacies, however, its activity towards Enterococcus hirae has been found to be considerably weak. In the absence of vinegar in composition C2, the germ-removal efficacies significantly decrease indicating that the presence of vinegar is crucial to the antimicrobial activity of the cleaning composition.

[0114] The germ removal efficacies of low pH composition C3 comprising no preservative system is observed to be significantly less, especially the activity against gram positive bacterial strains is very weak. Moreover, it is noted that such an acidic composition without any preservatives may exhibit stability issues upon long term storage.

[0115] The antiviral activity of the three comparative compositions was assessed against Escherichia virus MS2 (MS2 bacteriophage) and the antiviral data for the compositions is shown in Table 13. Each composition was contacted with the MS2 bacteriophage for five-minutes.

Table 13

[0116] As can be observed from the above table, although the virucidal efficacies of these three comparative compositions Cl, C2 and C3 are comparable to the antiviral efficacy of the cleaning composition IE of the present disclosure, the comparative compositions Cl, C2 and C3 fails to show the effective antibacterial and antifungal activity. Therefore, the cleaning composition IE is technically advanced as it shows effective activity against all the microorganisms, namely, bacteria, fungi, yeast and virus.

[0117] This example clearly illustrates the synergism existing between the components within the cleaning composition of the present disclosure. The data in Examples 4 and 5 illustrates the synergistic effect of the natural organic acid along with surfactant, active of essential oil and preservatives, which ensures that a high overall efficacy against microorganism can be obtained when the cleaning composition is applied on food and vegetable surfaces.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0118] The above-mentioned implementation examples as described on this subject matter and its equivalent thereof have many advantages, including those which are described.

[0119] The antimicrobial vegetable and fruit surface cleaning composition as per the present disclosure is made by naturally derived or nature -based or food grade ingredients, unlike the conventional cleaning agents totally based on synthetic surfactants or solvents. The present cleaning composition provides effective vegetable and fruit surface cleaning, in addition to minimizing the chances of side effects incurred by conventional cleaning agents. Use of natural or food grade ingredients in the composition to be applied on fruit or vegetable surfaces for cleaning purposes, also minimizes the chances of harm to human health, if consumed mistakenly, unlike other harsh cleaning agents which could harm human health. The present composition, having the presence of a combination of natural tamarind concentrate, natural vinegar, and thymol, provides effective surface cleaning. Also, the antimicrobial vegetable and fruit surface cleaning composition of the present disclosure shows appreciable antimicrobial activity. The product, a spray-pump for dispensing the present cleaning compositions provides effective surface coverage for cleaning with the help of sprayed fine atomized droplets. The surface cleaning composition of the present disclosure also demonstrates antiviral efficacies against the family of coronavirus in addition to antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Therefore, the composition disclosed herein behaves as an ideal surface cleaning composition for uncut fruits and vegetables.