Composition and methods for preservation of food and/or prevention of gastrointestinal infection. A composition comprising a single terpene, a terpene mixture, or a liposome-terpene(s) composition is disclosed. The composition can be a true solution of an effective amount of an effective terpene and a carrier such as water. The composition can be a suspension or emulsion of terpene, surfactant, and carrier. The composition(s) of the invention can be applied directly to food or to articles or devices used in food handling. Application can be, for example, by spraying a solution of the present invention. A true solution of terpene and water can be formed by mixing terpene and water at a solution-forming shear rate in the absence of a surfactant.