CANADA: Edmonton researchers use harmless bacteria to control listeriosis

24.oct.09
Global News
Su-Ling Goh

EDMONTON -- Lynn McMullen and colleague Michael Stiles have been
studying lactic-acid bacteria and have found it's harmless to humans but
fatal to the listeriosis bacteria, a discovery that could make the food
supply safer.
"These organisms grow in a number of different food products," McMullen
said Friday. "They're very similar to the organisms that are used to
make cheese and yogurt."
She said food processors could add the lactic-acid bacteria to products
and preclude the use of chemical agents.
"We've been using this peptide to kill listerium in processed meats. . .
. Usually, listeria gets onto the food product and processed meat after
it's been cooked and before it's been packaged. So we're looking at
using that opportunity to put in the culture that will control the
growth of the listeria."
She said it's rewarding to see that their research has a practical
application to improve human health.
The researchers are now awaiting Health Canada approval, which could
take several months. They will receive the awards next month in Calgary.