Netherlands-based Micreos announced earlier this week that the FDA and USDA have both approved of their Salmonelex product as a "GRAS" (Generally Recognized as Safe) food processing aid against Salmonella. Salmonelex consists of natural bacteriophages - or phages - that target the virus that infects and replicates inside a bacteria to eliminate Salmonella.
Micreos' CEO Mark Offerhaus: "Now that the FDA and USDA have given the green light we can offer food processors a new and natural solution against Salmonella, including antibiotic resistant strains. Salmonelex is seen as a very elegant solution as it targets only Salmonella and has no other effect on the treated food product, neither in taste, nor texture. Following the successful launch of Listex against Listeria, we are now further expanding the 'green' arsenal of weapons against foodborne pathogens. Given the prevalence of Salmonella in raw poultry, we expect poultry processors to be the first and largest users of Salmonelex".
Salmonelex eliminates Salmonella, rather than merely inhibiting its growth. It is easy to apply: it can be sprayed topically or added to chill tank water. Micreos anticipates that it will soon be listed by the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic foods, just like its phage product against Listeria, Listex.
Dirk de Meester, business development manager for Micreos: "Research has shown that Salmonelex does not dissipate in the presence of protein. Thus, the product enables processors to reduce the use of chemicals and reach Salmonella in places where antimicrobial chemicals are ineffective, for example in follicles which close when exposed to cold water in a chiller."
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