January 5, 2007

USDA approves used of bacteriophage spray on animals

The American Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a branch of the USDA, has allowed the use of a bacteriophage spray targeting E. coli O157:H7 on live animals.

The FSIS said the bacteriophage has proven to decrease the level of E. coli when misted on the hides of animals before slaughter or used as a hide wash.

The bacteriophage is a bacterial virus that is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and has no effect on non-target organisms.