Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus to control Escherichia coli on meat matrices

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is a predator micro-organism towards other Gram-negative bacteria. We tested B. bacteriovorus to control Escherichia coli growth on chicken slices and canned beef. Moreover, we analysed B. bacteriovorus's lytic ability on eight toxigenic or multidrug-resistant E. coli strains. In chicken slices, the predator induced the highest prey reduction (4.3 log) respect to control at 6 h. In canned beef, the predator induced the highest prey reduction (2.1 log) respect to control at 6 h. Moreover, B. bacteriovorus showed lytic ability towards all tested E. coli strains. B. bacteriovorus could control E. coli and other pathogenic and spoilage bacteria in those meat-based foods that have a shelf life <10 days. It could integrate modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to prolong the shelf life and improve the safety of pre-packed fresh meat, meat preparations and meat products. In future applications on meat-based foods, B. bacteriovorus could also minimise the use of additives.