Bacteriophage approved for hide washing
A natural cleaning fluid made from bacteriophage could help meat processors get rid of pathogens from animal hides which is a key source of cross-contamination within processing plants.
The product became available on the market after the US Department of Agriculture gave approval for its bacteriophage treatment for killing E. coli O157:H7 on the hides of live animals must before they are slaughtered.
The bacteriophage product for E. coli can also be used to treat holding areas, transportation vehicles, containers and living quarters. USDA researchers also discovered that killing pathogens in hides before removal is an effective way of reducing the risk of carcass contamination.
Current treatment include broad spectrum antibiotics, harsh chemicals and irradiation have created super bugs, pollutants, harmed field workers and have even lowered the quality of some food products without effectively controlling the harmful bacteria.
Bacteriophages are specific against certain bacteria and it is believed that phages can succeed as a long-term solution for controlling unwanted bacteria where these old methods have failed. EDI Foods has already marketed LISTEX for lsiteria in cheese.
