Disclosed is an antimicrobial composition comprising: the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS, also known as sodium lauryl sulfate), wherein the total concentration of surfactant in said composition is 0.05 per cent to 3 per cent by weight per volume in water and a monoprotic organic acid comprising a carbon backbone of 4 to 10 carbons, wherein the total concentration of acid in said antimicrobial composition is 0.3 per cent to 3 per cent by weight per volume in water. Examples of such a monoprotic organic acid include levulinic acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid, citric acid, eugenol, adipic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, succinic acid, malic acid and sorbic acid. The antimicrobial composition is useful for treating surfaces contaminated with bacteria, animal bodily fluids, waste or animal tissue by contacting the surface with an aqueous solution comprising the composition. The antimicrobial composition may also be used for decontaminating seeds, eggs and raw foods and may also be combined with shelled nuts to form a mixture for making nut butters.
