antimicrobial solutions against Coliforms, E. coli O157: H7, yeasts and molds were evaluated by agar well diffusion method. Chitosan (CH) exhibited best antimicrobial activity against the treated microorganisms at concentration of (5%) with contact time for 6hrs at refrigeration temperature (4ÚC), zones of inhibition for (GA) and (CH) for each solution alone ranging from (0 to 10 mm), chitosan solution (CH) exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal activities, Gum Arabic washing solution showed significant antibacterial activity (P < 0.05) against the microorganisms at concentration (15%), without inhibitory effect against E. coli O157:H7 at concentration (10%), in the current study the results confirmed that (15%) (w/v) of GA and 5% (w/v ) of chitosan were the optimum concentrations as the disinfected washing solution to reduce the contamination the local Iraqi cheese products but without complete elimination,these results support the possibility of using these solutions an alternative strategy to minimized the contamination of theses local products .The main objectives of the current study to evaluated effectiveness of edible washing / coating solutions of chitosan and/or Gum Arabic as antimicrobial solutions or natural preservatives substances for enhancing the safety of one of the most popular local products in Iraq
