The invention describes a method of inhibiting the outgrowth of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in high moisture (65 - 80% by weight) and low salt (<; 2.0% by weight ) nutrient dense environments with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5. The application of an organic acid or its salt with a fermentation derived antimicrobial peptide offers a robust solution to curtail growth of spores and vegetative cells without the need for chemicals such as sodium nitrite or nitrate.