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By Ramona Frances

Tara McHugh, research leader of the ARS Processed Foods Research laboratory examines colorful fruit and vegetable based edible films. Antimicrobial films are now being tested against E. coli, salmonella and listeria bacterium.

Photo by: For The Madera Tribune

An edible film containing natural oil placed inside bags of leafy greens sold in grocery stores - as early as next year - could be one answer to preventing the growth of E. coli, salmonella and listeria. Carvacrol, the predominant essential oil derived from the culinary herb oregano, is the pleasant, protective and safe accent added to the fruit and vegetable film.

Using the film is nothing new - but adding carvacrol to kill E. coli, salmonella and listeria is.

"These new food safety measures are entering the data (collection) stage. The research they are doing in Albany will benefit Madera County agriculture as well as the entire ag industry," said Jay Seslowe assistant agricultural commissioner said Tuesday.

Scientist Tara McHugh heads the study that appears to be moving ever closer to the goal of getting useful food science out to the consumers. "Preliminary tests show it is effective in model systems used on plates with bacteria," McHugh said.

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Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.