Virus as food additives?

FDA Says Viruses Safe for Treating Meat

The combination of six viruses is designed to be sprayed on ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including sliced ham and turkey, [...] are meant to kill strains of the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium.

As long as it used in accordance with the regulations, we have concluded it's safe [...] Consumers won't be aware that meat and poultry products have been treated with the spray [...] The FDA had concerns that the virus preparation potentially could contain toxic residues associated with the bacteria. However, testing did not reveal the presence of such residues, which in small quantities likely wouldn't cause health problems anyway, the FDA said.

According to the news article thIt could probably be a good thing (for now), because canned food might get the same shelf life without using as much chemicals. But where will it end? Will FDA soon approve using the virus as cattle vaccines? Will companies start offering genetically engineered, "naturally" bacterial resistant poultry?


Source: Stephanie McMillan