Harmful outbreaks of salmonella or E coli poisoning could become a thing of the past if a new type of packaging developed by Canadian researchers proves successful.
Hany Anany and Mansel Griffiths from the Sentinel Bioactive Paper Network have come up with a way of implanting harmless viruses called phage into cellulose material such as vacuum-packed plastics around food with printed labels attached to them.
When these foods have dangerous cells such as listeria within, the phage attack and kill them.
"This work has the potential to change the way today's food packaging operates," Dr Griffiths told Packaging Digest.
It is hoped that more sophisticated designs will be created that will not only kill bacteria, but will also be able to warn retailers of contamination.
Earlier in 2011, the Penticton Western News reported on a new type of packaging that had been created for fresh fruit in Canada, which uses an anti-microbial compound to keep it fresher for much longer.
Denny Bros Ltd, 18th October 2011
