Disclosed herein are anti-microbial wash compositions and methods for using such compositions in controlling microbe growth on a non-meat food product (e.g., fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, etc.) by applying or contacting the anti-microbial wash composition with a surface of the food product to kill microbes (e.g., bacteria) on a surface of the food product. The anti-microbial wash compositions include a ceragenin compound dispersed in a fluid carrier. The ceragenin compound includes a sterol backbone and a number of cationic groups attached to the sterol backbone. The cationic groups may be attached to the sterol backbone by a hydrolysable linkage so that the ceragenin compound has a relatively short half life (e.g., less than about 40 days), and the wash composition may be applied prior to shipping and washed off after shipping to minimize any ceragenin compound residue.
