Super food: Edible coating fights E. coli

According to a study being published Wednesday in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Oregano oil is a natural bacteria fighter, as are other plant-based essential oils. The apple puree enables the coating to stick. Researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have developed a flavored edible coating for fresh produce that not only tastes good, it kills E. coli bacteria.

The coating can be applied as a liquid or a thin film. It combines two unlikely flavors -- oregano oil and apple puree.

Researchers tested the coating on E. coli samples -- not on actual produce, though that's in the works, McHugh said. They also plan tests on other bacteria, including salmonella and listeria.

Courtesy of the Chicago Sun-Times

Steve - essential oils and herbs have always been an option to prevent food contamination. It is a much better idea than irradiating or virally adultering our food!