EDMONTON, Alberta, Aug 14, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Mango pits, usually thrown
away after processing, could be used as a food preservative against the pathogen
Listeria, a Canadian scientist said.
Tannins found in mango pits and grape seeds have been found effective against
Listeria, a pathogen found in food that last year was linked to the deaths of 21
Canadians, University of Alberta researcher Christina Engles said.
Mango pits could be turned into a natural food preservative rather than being
burned or thrown away after processing, she said.
"By processing the kernels for their tannins, businesses have a way to
completely utilize all fruit parts and therefore increase their profit," Engles
said in a release from the university.
Mangos rank fifth among major fruit crops marketed worldwide. Listeria, a common
bacteria found in soil, water, sewage, plants, and food, is responsible for
listeriosis, a rare but potentially lethal food-borne infection.
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