Abstract
The increasing concern for food safety has created a need to evaluate novel techniques to eliminate or control pathogens, resulting in safe food. In this study, four bacteriophages of bovine origin, specific to E. coli O157:H7, were successfully isolated and characterized. A microplate reader assay demonstrated the efficacy of the bacteriophage (phage) cocktail against E. coli O157:H7 resulting in a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in the target pathogen population. The phage cocktail demonstrated significant efficacy (p < 0.05) against E. coli O157:H7 in the presence of the most utilized sanitizers in the United States, namely 100 parts per million (ppm) free chlorine and 100-ppm peroxyacetic acid. Survival in the sanitizer concentrations demonstrates the potential use of phage cocktail and sanitizer synergistically to enhance sanitation operations in the food industry.
Highlights
Foodborne illnesses of microbial origin can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the source and type of contamination
Several environmental factors contribute to contaminating fresh produce with spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms during pre- and post-harvest processing [3]
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli illness is often associated with beef consumption, several outbreaks have been traced back to the consumption of contaminated sprouts and pre-packaged spinach [4]
Summary
Foodborne illnesses of microbial origin can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the source and type of contamination. Several environmental factors contribute to contaminating fresh produce with spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms during pre- and post-harvest processing [3] These pathogenic microorganisms include Campylobacter spp., enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus, certain viruses, and protozoa [2]. Among those listed above, a certain strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli), serotype O157:H7, is a significant pathogen that contaminates fresh produce and is among the leading cause of foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli illness is often associated with beef consumption, several outbreaks have been traced back to the consumption of contaminated sprouts and pre-packaged spinach [4]
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