Essential oils to fight food bacteria
ion wind delivery systems containing certain essential oils can
reduce a range of commonly found bacteria in foodstuffs - a system
that could provide a cheap and effective means for food
manufacturers to reduce bacterial risk.
In recent years the consumer market for candles has grown dramatically, as candles of all shapes, sizes, colours and fragrances have been used increasingly in homes and restaurants to create atmosphere and enhance mood. However, the idea that candles can help to prevent the spread of various strains of bacteria, in particular those that are spread through surface contact has received little attention from the food industry.
Until now, that is, because two researchers at the University of Southampton have taken the potential uses of fragranced candles one step further, by demonstrating that they can also have valuable and effective bactericidal properties.
The researchers, Dr Lindsey Gaunt and Sabrina Higgins, have discovered that by adding certain essential oils to the candle it can destroy bacteria such as Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureus on surfaces. Working with Professor John Hughes in the Bioelectrostatics Research Centre, Gaunt and Higgins have been testing different essential oils, such as orange, thyme, and eucalyptus, which when dispersed into the air and combined with the ions produced in the candle flame, have a powerful bactericidal effect.
Where candle use would not be appropriate, for example in a kitchen, the same bactericidal effect can be produced by using plug-in devices combining the appropriate essential oils and ions generated by an electrical discharge. And it is the plug-in Ion Wind Delivery System that Professor Hughes anticipates will be the most effective for the food industry.
"Although our research into Ion Wind Delivery Systems is not as advanced as the candles, we anticipate that this will be the best system for food service and industrial applications," Professor Hughes told FoodProductionDaily.com. "We anticipate that in one to two years our research into this type of delivery will be complete and that we will then be ready to offer something to the market.
The bottom line is that this will provide an inexpensive and effective means for the industry to cut down on the risk of bacteria. In fact I would imagine that delivery systems will cost no more than £10 (€15)."
According to Lindsey Gaunt, the candles and electrical devices could be as effective as liquid disinfectants, together with the added benefit of being able to penetrate porous surfaces and fabrics in a room with very little personal effort.
This unique combination of essential oils and electrical ions has demonstrated a remarkably powerful bactericidal action, with up to nearly 100 per cent bacteria kill, the study is claiming.
Lindsey Gaunt and Sabrina Higgins will be presenting the results of their research in Tokyo in November this year at the annual joint international conference of the Institute of Electrostatics Japan and the Electrostatics Society of America.
