595952 Disclosed herein is an antimicrobial composition comprising a C2–C5 acid component such as isobutyric acid; a C2–C5 ester component such as acetic acid, 2-methylpropyl ester; and at least two C2–C5 components isolatable from a volatile by-product of an isolated culture of Muscodor crispans, wherein the components may be naturally derived or synthetic. Additionally disclosed is the use of said composition in the manufacture of a medicament, and an article comprising said composition, such as packaging for food or a medical apparatus.