Antimicrobial agents and methods for the abatement of food borne pathogenic organisms—particularly, Escherichia coli—include the steps of providing a specifically formulated humic composition and, thereafter, applying the humic composition as an antimicrobial agent for the abatement of Escherichia coli. In at least some applications of the present invention, other substances are introduced in combination with the humic composition thereby synergistically providing in certain applications a greater effect than otherwise independently obtainable.
