Egg Cocktail May Prevent Food-Borne Illness
      Sun Mar 23,12:11 PM ET

By Christopher Doering

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A blend of antibodies developed in the yolk of an
ordinary egg might prevent the spread of common food-borne bacteria that
kills thousands of Americans each year, scientists said on Sunday.



Researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada found that hens injected
with food-borne pathogens, such as E. coli bacteria (news - web sites),
developed antibodies designed to fight the bacteria. The antibodies
accumulated in the yolk of the hens' eggs.


Hoon Sunwoo, a food chemist at the University of Alberta, led the study. The
research was presented at the annual meeting of the American Chemical
Society.


After injecting the hens with a variety of pathogens, scientists removed,
processed and freeze-dried each of the resulting antibodies from the egg
yolks. The antibodies were blended together to create a "cocktail" that
scientists believe could target the most common food-borne germs.


In early studies in a test tube, food-borne germs that came in contact with
the antibody mix failed to multiply. Scientists said they were hopeful
additional tests would show the antibodies could be sprayed onto food and
hold germs at bay until they pass through the body.


Tests on a wide range of food products including meats, fruits and
vegetables are set to begin within six months and human trials in a year.


Scientists are investigating whether the cocktail could be applied at
different stages of meat production. The mix could be sprayed on beef
carcass to prevent contamination, for example, or processed into meat when
it is packaged.


"It is very hard to detect (food-borne pathogens)," Sunwoo said in a
telephone interview. "If we prove our antibody prevents bacteria on the
commercial level, then as a customer I feel comfortable ... to buy these
products."


Contaminated food causes more than 76 million illnesses and 5,000 deaths in
the United States every year, according to government data.


Food-borne bacteria are most dangerous for the elderly, pregnant women,
small children and those with weak immune systems.


Last year, the U.S. Agriculture Department conducted a record number of food
recalls that involved large meat producers, including Smithfield Foods Inc,
ConAgra Foods Inc., Pilgrim's Pride Corp., and privately-held Cargill.