The present invention is directed to a technique for preserving foods. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a product comprising a compound comprising vanillin, and an organic constituent comprising an isothiocynate compound. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of preserving a food product comprising incorporating a compound comprising vanillin into the food product, and exposing the food product to an organic constituent having an isothiocynate compound. In a further embodiment, the present invention is directed to a preserved packaged food product, comprising a package having a package interior and a package interior surface, a food product positioned in the package interior and having a compound comprising vanillin, and an organic constituent comprising an isothiocynate compound disposed on the package interior surface so as to contact the food product.