Disclosed herein are anti-microbial wash compositions and methods for using such compositions in controlling microbe growth on a meat food product (e.g., a slaughtered meat carcass) 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.
