In this post, we will explore Bacteriophages a.k.a phages for short & how they can be used to kill specific strains of bacteria without being harmful to anything else. Phages are a natural solution to problems we look to solve with chemicals.
What Are Bacteriophages?
As defined by Dr Cathrine Shaffer, Bacteriophages are small, virus-like organisms that infect bacteria. They are comprised of a protein capsule around an RNA or DNA genome. Phages attach to bacteria cells, inject their DNA, and go through a lytic cycle – eventually bursting out of the bacteria cell with billions of more phage counterparts.
The Benefits Of PhageGuard:
- Tropical treatment
- Processing aid
- No organoleptic
- Certified organic
- Harmless to humans, animals, and plants
- No wastewater issues
- No worker safety issues
- Non-corrosive to equipment
The use of PhageGuard to eliminate pathogens provides a valuable tool to a processor’s food safety toolbox. Phages are the natural enemy of bacteria and are specific and selective in their attack. PhageGuard Listex and PhageGuard S kill Listeria and Salmonella while leaving other organisms intact. Phages are green, smart and easy and can be applied via spray, mist or dip. Phages can also be used directly on food contact surfaces or in the processing environment.
PhageGuard has no effect on taste, colour or smell so there is no need for the product reformulation. As a processing aid, PhageGuard does not require labelling. PhageGuard products are born from strong science and research. From the fundamental research at the world-leading Swiss University ETH to the applied science at the point of use, our knowledge and expertise are the second to none. We know how phages work and how they can work for you. They are highly efficacious and cost-effective. We firmly believe that nature itself provides solutions for modern-day challenges. PhageGuard is the result of that belief: an effective organic solution which helps processors ensure safe food supply.
Applications Of PhageGuard:
- Meat & Poultry
- Fish & Seafood
- Cheese & Dairy
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Environmental
PhageGuard Listex – Don’t Give Listeria A Chance
100 percent natural and organic, PhageGuard Listex is an is an FDA-approved organic solution that specifically kills Listeria. The PhagGuard advantage is precision. It is targeted to eliminate Listeria on your food products, without affecting taste, odour or texture. Multiple studies demonstrate the high efficacy of PhageGuard including the Danish Meat Research Institute, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, and the University of Ghent, Belgium. Our team offers a full site of technical support services. Get in touch with us to find out how SGA can improve consumer safety in your production facilities.
PhageGuard S – Don’t Give Salmonella A Chance
100 percent natural and organic solution, PhageGuard S specifically kills Salmonella. The PhageGuard advantage is precision. It is targeted to eliminate Salmonella on your food products, without affecting taste, odour or texture. Provides real value where harsh chemicals cannot be used due to impact on product quality and/or worker safety.
Facts About Phages:
- Are the most abundant microorganism on the planet
- Leads to 1-3 Log initial reduction on the food products
- Leads to 3-5 log reductions in the plane environment
- The human gut contains one million billion phages (1015)
- One ml seawater can contain one billion phages
- Phages are 100 times smaller than bacteria and outnumber bacteria by 10 fold
- Though they cannot be seen under a normal microscope, they weigh more than all humans on the planet combined
If you are interested in using PhageGuard technology in your facility, you can send us an email at enquiry@sga.com.au
Thanks for reading this weeks post. We hope you learned something new.