This review discusses the effects of ethanol on the inhibition of growth and germination of fungi and on
the inactivation of fungal spores. After a brief survey on the impact of spoilage fungi on the economy and
food quality, the major applications of ethanol in controlling fruit decay and extending the shelf-life of
food products are reviewed. Many parameters including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and
D-values for various moulds are included. The thermodynamic relationship between the liquid phase and
the headspace and the mode of action of ethanol on fungi are explained. Due to their promising use as
a fumigant, special attention is paid to ethanol vapours.