Fresh Food for Years with Newly Discovered Natural Preservative Bisin

Scientists have discovered a natural preservative capable of destroying a whole class of bacteria, including E.coli and listeria and now food can be made to remain fresh and last for years. There would also be no need to refrigerate produce treated with the preservative, called, bisin, which is produced by harmless bacteria.

The researchers say foods like milk; sausages and sandwiches containing the agent could be on the shelves within three years. Ready meals, opened wine and fresh salad dressing could also be safely consumed long after they were bought, say scientists.

This comes from researchers at Minnesota University in the US who found the substance from a culture of harmless bacteria, Bifodobacterium longum, commonly found in the human gut. It is the first naturally occurring agent identified that attacks so-called gram-negative bacteria such as E.coli, salmonella and listeria.

According to Dan Sullivan, a microbiologist who works at the university, “It seems to be much better than anything which has gone before. It doesn’t compromise nutrient quality — we are not adding a chemical, we are adding a natural ingredient.” He and his team have patented the substance in the US.

Bisin is related to nisin, which attacks gram-positive bacteria, and is used in the manufacture of processed cheeses and meats. As such, it is generally recognized as safe and would not have to be pharmacologically tested.

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Tagged Bifodobacterium longum, bisin, E. coli, listeria, salmonella