Light Technique Shows Promise In Tackling Campylobacter

TL;DR

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Researchers from the University of Reading and the Animal and Plant Health Agency tested violet-blue photodynamic inactivation against 64 strains of Campylobacter. The technique killed every strain tested, regardless of antibiotic resistance. Further trials are required before commercial application.

Scientists have found that violet-blue light can effectively kill Campylobacter bacteria on chicken, according to a study published by researchers from the University of Reading and the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The technique, known as violet-blue photodynamic inactivation (VB-PDI), eliminated all 64 strains of the bacteria tested, offering a potential new method for food safety that does not require physical contact with the meat or the addition of chemical agents. While the results are promising, the researchers emphasized that more trials are needed before this technology can be widely adopted.

The study focused on violet-blue photodynamic inactivation (VB-PDI), a method that uses specific wavelengths of light to inactivate pathogens. The research team tested this technique against a diverse range of Campylobacter strains, including various species and those with different antibiotic resistance profiles. The results were consistent across the board: every strain was killed by the treatment. This uniformity suggests that the mechanism of action is robust against the genetic variations that often complicate other antimicrobial strategies.

A key advantage of VB-PDI is its operational simplicity. The method does not require physical contact with the food product, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination during processing. Additionally, it does not involve added chemicals, addressing consumer concerns about residues and chemical treatments in the food supply. The light-based approach operates on the surface of the chicken, targeting bacteria that may be present due to handling or processing errors.

The research was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, examining the efficacy of the light treatment on chicken samples. The University of Reading and the Animal and Plant Health Agency collaborated to ensure the findings were rigorous and relevant to current food safety challenges. The study highlights the potential for non-thermal, non-chemical interventions to complement existing food safety protocols, particularly in reducing the burden of bacterial gastroenteritis.

Reducing Cross-Contamination Risks

The significance of this development lies in its potential to address a major route of infection: cross-contamination from handling raw meat. Campylobacter is the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, and while cooking kills the bacteria, the handling of raw chicken remains a critical risk factor. In the UK alone, there were 70,000 laboratory confirmed cases in 2024 and 2025. If VB-PDI can be integrated into processing lines, it could reduce the bacterial load on raw products, thereby lowering the risk of infection for consumers who handle the meat before cooking.

Furthermore, the technique’s effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains is particularly important. As antibiotic resistance becomes a growing global health threat, finding methods to control bacteria without relying on antibiotics is crucial. By killing all tested strains regardless of their resistance profile, VB-PDI offers a tool that could help mitigate the spread of resistant bacteria through the food chain.

Campylobacter and Current Safety Measures

Campylobacter is a leading cause of foodborne illness globally. It is commonly found in the intestines of healthy birds and can contaminate meat during slaughter and processing. Current food safety measures rely heavily on proper cooking temperatures to kill the bacteria in the final product. However, this places the responsibility on the consumer to handle raw meat safely and cook it thoroughly. Cross-contamination in kitchens, where raw chicken juices come into contact with other foods or surfaces, is a significant source of infection.

Existing interventions in the food industry often involve chemical washes or high-pressure processing, which can have limitations regarding consumer acceptance or equipment costs. The emergence of light-based technologies represents a shift toward physical methods that are perceived as cleaner and less intrusive. The collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies like the Animal and Plant Health Agency underscores the priority placed on finding innovative solutions to persistent food safety issues.

“The method does not require physical contact with the food or added chemicals.”

— Researchers

Limitations of Current Laboratory Data

While the laboratory results are compelling, several uncertainties remain. The study tested 64 specific strains in a controlled environment, but real-world processing conditions are more variable. It is not yet clear how effective VB-PDI will be on large-scale commercial production lines where lighting conditions, surface textures, and packaging materials may vary. Additionally, the long-term impact of the light treatment on the quality, taste, and texture of the chicken has not been fully detailed in the initial report. Researchers have stated that more trials are needed to validate these findings in industrial settings.

Path Toward Industrial Application

The next steps involve scaling up the technology for industrial use. Researchers will likely conduct pilot studies in actual poultry processing plants to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of integrating VB-PDI systems. Regulatory bodies will need to review the safety and efficacy data before any commercial deployment. The focus will be on optimizing the light intensity and exposure time to ensure maximum bacterial reduction without affecting product quality. Continued collaboration between the University of Reading and the Animal and Plant Health Agency will be essential in guiding this transition from lab to market.

Key Questions

Does this mean chicken will no longer need to be cooked?

No. The technique is intended to reduce bacterial load during processing. Proper cooking remains the primary method for ensuring food safety at home.

Is the light treatment safe for consumers?

The study indicates the method does not involve added chemicals. However, full safety assessments for consumer exposure to any residual effects are part of the ongoing trials.

Why is Campylobacter hard to control?

It is commonly present in poultry intestines, making contamination during processing difficult to avoid entirely. Cross-contamination in kitchens is a major transmission route.

When will this technology be available?

It is currently in the research phase. More trials are needed before commercial implementation, so a timeline for widespread availability is not yet established.

Source: rss