FDA extends GRAS approval for Listex[TM] to all food products.

The FDA and USDA have approved Listex[TM] Pl00, the natural bacteriophage product against Listeria, as GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe), for all food products.

In the fight against Listeria, one of the most dangerous food pathogens, US food processing companies can now apply a novel yet natural tool: ListexTM bacteriophages.

The FDA and USDA have approved this product from The Netherlands as GRAS, based on extensive safety and efficacy data and organoleptics tests confirming that Listex[TM] is safe and has no impact on taste, smell, colour, and other physical properties of treated products.

Bacteriophages ('phage') are the most abundant micro-organisms on earth. Fresh water and seawater can contain as many as 1-bn. phages per ml, while in fresh and processed meat and meat products, more than 100-mil. viable phages per gram are often present. Phages are harmless to humans, animals and plants, and target only bacterial cells. They are extremely specific in regard to the bacteria they recognize. The Listex[TM] bacteriophages target only Listeria bacteria (leaving desirable bacteria in place), and are easy to apply in production processes.

In October 2006 the FDA had already proclaimed GRAS for Listex[TM] against Listeria in cheese. The extension to all products susceptible to Listeria, opens the door for the meat and fish industry to apply Listex[TM]. The Dutch inspection office SKAL confirmed the 'organic' status of Listex[TM] under EU law, as a result of which it can be used in regular and organic products.

EBI Food Safety's chief executive, Mark Offerhaus, said: "Food Safety now tops the agenda of US food processing companies and consumers, who are insisting on 'green' solutions, rather than chemicals. Natural bacteriophages prove to be a unique solution, where increased safety does not come at the expense of product characteristics. US food processors can now benefit from Listex[TM], like their European counterparts."

Contact EBI Food Safety on tel [phone] or visit www.ebifoodsafety.com