Use a Virus to Kill a Virus?

by Heather McLaughlin

The FDA approved the first food additive that is made up of a virus.

The additive is a mixture of 6 viruses that can be sprayed on ready to eat cold cuts, poultry, sliced ham and turkey. The special virus called bacteriophages is used to kill Listeria monocytogenes bacterium and is safe for use on meats prior to being packaged.

According to the CDC, around 2,500 American get seriously ill from Listeria a year. Of these, around 500 people died.

This special virus is manufactured by Intralytix Inc.

Consumers won’t be made aware of its use, and its use will be regulated by the United States Dept. of Agriculture

Intralytix is also seeking approval on a special virus to kill E-coli in beef before its ground.

What are your thoughts on the use of this virus? Do you think it’s good?