BACTERIOPHAGE
August 20, 2006
by: jovial_cynic
by: jovial_cynic
Intralytix, a "bacteriophage research and development" company was recently awarded FDA approval for their latest product -- a virus that is sprayed directly on to meat products to kill common microbes that kill hundreds of people every year. It's the first virus to be approved as a food-additive.
Wired has an in-depth article on the topic, and states that while consumers won't be notified that the meat they purchase has been sprayed, the FDA is applying "one of the toughest food-safety standards which they have to find this is safe." The FDA also stated that bacteriophages (greek: bacteria-eater) are found in our food, in water, and in our own digestive tracts.
Somehow, the FDA doesn't make me feel any safer about this. As stated on the Mixter's Mix:
Viruses mutate and evolve. That is why there is a different flu shot every year. Bacteriophages multiply more rapidly than any other organism. So, they also mutate more. How does the company that manufactures this spray plan to prevent this from happening?
...I, for one, welcome our new virus overlords.
Wired has an in-depth article on the topic, and states that while consumers won't be notified that the meat they purchase has been sprayed, the FDA is applying "one of the toughest food-safety standards which they have to find this is safe." The FDA also stated that bacteriophages (greek: bacteria-eater) are found in our food, in water, and in our own digestive tracts.
Somehow, the FDA doesn't make me feel any safer about this. As stated on the Mixter's Mix:
Viruses mutate and evolve. That is why there is a different flu shot every year. Bacteriophages multiply more rapidly than any other organism. So, they also mutate more. How does the company that manufactures this spray plan to prevent this from happening?
...I, for one, welcome our new virus overlords.