A polysaccharide from kefir grains, kefiran, is able to form gels
after freeze-drying and may offer a novel gelling agent for
industry, suggests new research from Argentina.
Scientists from Danisco have identified peculiar regions of a
starter culture's genome that allow the bacteria to be resistant to
infections by bacteriophages (bacterial viruses).
Three types of alloy surfaces containing at least 90 per cent
copper completely eliminate E. coli O157:H7, according to an
ongoing UK study of the pathogen-killing properties of the metal.
Arla Foods, Europe's second largest dairy company, has signed an
agreement with US-based Integrated Genomics for access to the ERGO
database and genomic discovery system to enhance the company's
probiotic understanding.
A natural cleaning fluid made of live bacteria could help meat
processors get rid of pathogensfrom animal hides, a key source of
cross-contamination in the plant.
Scientists have devised a means of preventing contamination of
commercially baked bread - helping manufacturers to minimise the
loss caused by spoilage and halt the common problem of 'ropey
bread'.
Solutions used by meat processors to improve shelf life and taste
can also help to reducepathogens, including E. coli 0157:H7,
according to a recent study.
Mixing a chlorate-based compound into livestock feed or water could
dramatically reduce Salmonella and E. coli in gastrointestinal
tracts, claim researchers.
Techniques such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric
fields, radio-frequency electric fields, ultraviolet light, and
irradiation have been shown to be faster and less disruptive to
quality than traditional thermal processing...
Belgium-based Puratos has published research into the use of
dextrans in sourdoughs, producing an "innovative functional
ingredient for the bakery industry."
A pathogen detecting system that uses scattered laser light can cut
costs and speed up safety checks for food processors, researchers
developing the technology claim.
Irish researchers are working on using genomics to enhance flavour
in dairy products - and enhancing the country's technological
standing in international R&D.
Scientists in France say they have unlocked the genetic sequence of
bacteria in yoghurt, offering better insight to dairy firms looking
to create added value dairy products.
Danish company, Chr. Hansen has announced that it has won a patent
case to protect its natural LiquidCap colour, a result that
protects not only Chr. Hansen but also the customers, said the
company.
Closing the door, buying a household steamer, or using a slide rule
may be all that small meat processors need to do to save on the
costs of meeting hygiene requirements.
Dry aging beef in a vacuum-packaging bag can provide savings
without affecting the quality of the product compared to
traditional methods, according to a research study.
France's Danone has announced a three-year licence with US-based
Integrated Genomics for access to the ERGO database and genomic
discovery system to enhance the group's probiotic understanding and
R&D.
An EU-funded research project has developed micro and
nanotechnology portable devices to detect toxins, pathogens and
chemicals in foodstuffs on the spot.
New miniature sensors for analysing DNA have been developed,
opening the possibility of accurately and quickly identifying
bacterial strains in foodborne illnesses and saving manufacturers
millions in product recalls and possible...
UK food watchdog warns this week that it will bump up prevention
actions for food pathogens as salmonella cases are on the rise,
with a likely focus on Spanish eggs as the source of contamination
- something UK bakers should watch...
A new range of polyurethane resin-based floor systems that combines
an antimicrobial layer has been launched. Manufacturer John Lord
claims that this new innovation can help food manufacturers fight
against microbes that cause food...
Freezing technology that has advanced food convenience and quality
could also kill or reduce potentially harmful microbes more
strategically, according to a recent report from a US-based
scientist.
A previously unidentified protein on the surface of intestinal
cells has given researchers in the US clues on how to prevent
disease. The scientists believe their results could eventually lead
the way to preventing food-borne Listeria...
Probiotics, the bacteria thought to help gut health disorders,
allergies and even some forms of cancer, contain immune
system-stimulating DNA, which makes them just as effective when
inactivated as when consumed as live microorganisms...
Scientist in the Netherlands are researching the genetic
fingerprints of heat-beating micro-organisms in an effort to
understand why some foods still spoil despite undergoing heat
treatment.
The forthcoming FEMS congress of Microbiologists will meet in
Slovenia at the end of this month to discuss, amongst other topics,
ways of reducing contamination in fresh produce.
A new tool for subtyping strains of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria
has been developed in America by USDA Agricultural Research Service
scientists. The method is set to be particularly useful to test for
strains of the bacteria on...
Research from government scientists in the US suggests that a new
enzyme process to make prebiotics from carbohydrates could expand
markets for corn and other commodity crops.
Danish scientists announce a breakthrough in the battle against the harmful Listeria bacterium, with the discovery of a common lactic acid bacterium that fights Listeria efficiently in foods.
The US Foodservice & Packaging Institute has published the
results of its latest study of the sanitary quality of single-use
and reusable food-service packaging - with reusable products given
a "bad news-good news" rating.
Rexnord, the Netherlands-based supplier of conveyor belts for the
food industry, is to participate at the Anuga FoodTec fair, from
April 8-11 in Cologne, Germany.
Oxoid has launched the DuPont Qualicon RiboPrinter microbial
characterisation system for the European and Australian food
processing markets - a system which is claimed to provide an
automated genetic fingerprint of any bacterium...
Antex Biologics, through its AntexPharma subsidiary, has reported
that it is continuing to explore the potential effectiveness of its
anti-infective compounds in preventing bio terrorism attacks on the
food supply.
McDonald's has today introduced reduced-fat French fries in its US
restaurants. However, the company remains behind the curve on
another public health issue - the spread of antibiotic-resistant
bacteria.
Maxwell Technologies' prolonged effort to commercialise technology
that uses pulses of extremely intense light to sterilise beverages
has been officially closed in the US.
A consortium of Malaysian scientists, working with the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is designing a way to
harvest plastic from the fronds of oil palm trees.
Scientists are developing a hand-held sensor they say will help
save lives by quickly pinpointing the presence of a deadly E. coli
strain and other harmful germs in food and drinks, in some cases
within minutes.
