University of Otago researchers are working to harness the power of peptides in a spray to help the red meat industry combat bacterial contamination and spoilage. The red meat industry in New Zealand contributes $10.8 billion annually to the economy, accounting for about 15% of the country’s total export earnings. However, up to 1% of exported products are returned or rejected due to bacterial spoilage or contamination, resulting in financial losses amounting to tens of millions of dollars each year. Because biofilms were stubbornly effective at blocking traditional cleaners and antibiotics, scientists had engineered solutions like anti-biofilm coatings for surfaces, Assoc Prof Pletzer said. The country’s primary sector stood out as an obvious area that could benefit, and they started working with major red meat co-operative, Alliance Group NZ.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 07, 2026 16:17 UTC