Staging Germ Warfare in Foods: Science harnesses bacteria to fend off food poisoning and spoilage

摘要

In the past few years, manufacturers have marketed a variety of products that contain germ-fighting chemical additives. First came cellulose sponges that incorporate chemicals to retard the growth of bacteria, then plastic cutting boards, brushes, and other housewares impregnated with pesticides. In Japan, consumers can even buy plastic bags that claim to bombard their contents with germ-fighting "rays." Most of these products have been developed to kill or prevent the spread of foodborne pathogens. The U.S. General Accounting Office estimates the cost of treating food poisoning from Salmonella and other pathogens in the United States at up to $22 billion annually.