Review: Phageguard L on turkey using spray system application

A large household name in turkey products recently decided to start using to Phageguard L (PGL). Their primary consideration was that Phageguard L (PGL), besides being organic, has zero influence on taste, flavour and appearance of the treated product whereas the antimicrobial they were previously using did.

PGL is sprayed into the bag on the loading table as it is blown open. PGL is contained in the bag and evenly dispersed after heat shrinking. This is a USDA validated application and in itself is considered Alt 2 under the FSIS 2003 final rule on Listeria. In combination with an inhibitor it is considered Alt 1.

We started by conducting in-house challenge studies. Phageguard flew in their application specialists and together executed the work with very satisfactory and significant results. Listeria monocytogenes was reduced Phageguard L (PGL) by several orders of magnitude compared by the control.

The spray requirements were established, and the appropriate equipment was ordered and installed.
The application was validated on-site, operators and quality personnel trained, and the application is currently up and running.