Protective and starter cultures to reduce spoilage, mycotoxins and biogenic amines in food and feed

IBPRS-PIB (Polish state research institute, holder of the Polish Collection of Industrial Microorganisms, KKP) develops lactic acid bacteria cultures that block moulds, limit mycotoxins and biogenic amines, and give repeatable fermentation. Strains are identified, sequenced (WGS) and profiled for metabolites before selection. In our earlier work, silages made with new cultures showed less growth of pathogenic moulds, lower mycotoxin synthesis and fewer biogenic amines; some preparations are already in commercial use.

Project idea for POLNORIS: extend this approach to other food and feed products used in the Donor States (dairy, bakery, fish and meat products, plant-based foods, feed for aquaculture and livestock) and validate the cultures under Nordic production and storage conditions.

IBPRS-PIB brings: KKP collection and strain data, screening against spoilage organisms and mycotoxin-producing moulds, production of preparations (freeze-drying, fluid-bed drying; Polish patent RP 228552), experience in technology transfer.

We look for: research institutes and universities in food/feed microbiology and food safety; food and feed SMEs that want to test cultures in their own products.

Expected results: validated cultures for 2-3 product groups, protocols for use, shelf-life and safety data, plan for market entry. TRL 4 to 6-7.