The present invention relates to a method and composition for decontaminating surfaces, in particular surfaces in the oral cavity or wounded skin, inert surfaces such as from surgical instruments, or food stuffs, such as meat, wherein the method consists of treating the surface with a solution of lactoferrin of acid pH; a solution of lactoferrin and EDTA; a solution of lactoferrin and EDTA of acid pH, or combinations thereof. The solutions may optionally further comprise a polysaccharide, preferably a polysaccharide negatively charged at about neutral pH, such pectin.