Using Bacteria to Kill Food-Poisoning Germs on Kitchen Surfaces

A natural cleaning solution using specific bacteria and a protein to stop the growth of dangerous Listeria bacteria on food processing equipment.

What it covers

This patent describes a cleaning formula that uses three specific types of beneficial bacteria—Carnobacterium maltaromaticum and Enterococcus mundtii—along with a natural protein called nisin. These bacteria are heat-treated to become inactive, meaning they don't grow, but they still release substances that kill Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous germ that causes food poisoning. The formula can be used as a liquid spray or turned into a solid gel coating to sanitize surfaces like food factory drains, cutting boards, or machinery.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover the use of live, active bacteria for sanitization.
• —Does not cover chemical sanitizers like bleach, chlorine, or quaternary ammonium compounds.
• —Does not cover the use of these specific bacterial strains for purposes other than controlling Listeria.
• —Does not cover general-purpose household cleaners that do not contain this specific combination of three strains and nisin.

The clever bit

By combining inactivated fermentates from three distinct bacterial strains with nisin, the inventors created a synergistic effect where the mixture is more effective at killing Listeria than any of the components would be on their own.

Why it matters

Listeria is a major concern in the food industry because it survives in cold, damp environments like processing plants. This invention provides a biological alternative to harsh chemicals, which is increasingly important as food manufacturers seek safer, more natural ways to keep food supply chains free from contamination.

Real-world examples

• 1.Sanitizing liquid spray for food processing conveyor belts
• 2.Solid gel coating for industrial food factory drains
• 3.Protective surface treatment for food preparation tables