Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus to control E. 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.