Exhibiting at Middle East Poultry Expo 2025

PhageGuard, headquartered in Wageningen, Netherlands, is a leading innovator in food safety solutions, specializing in bacteriophage-based interventions. The company provides natural, targeted, and effective biocontrol technologies aimed at reducing pathogenic bacteria in food production environments. As part of the Micreos Food Safety group, PhageGuard leverages cutting-edge science to develop products that enhance food safety without compromising quality or sustainability.

Brief History

PhageGuard was established as a division of Micreos Food Safety, a Dutch biotechnology company founded in 2005. With growing concerns over antibiotic resistance and demand for natural preservatives, Micreos channeled its focus toward bacteriophage technology. PhageGuard was launched to commercialize phage-based solutions targeting foodborne pathogens. Over the past decade, the brand has grown into a recognized authority in bacteriophage applications across the global food processing industry.

Core Business

PhageGuard’s primary business lies in the development and commercialization of bacteriophage-based products that target specific foodborne pathogens. Their main product lines include:

• PhageGuard S – Targets Salmonella spp.
• PhageGuard L – Targets Listeria monocytogenes
• PhageGuard E – Targets Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)

These products are applied in ready-to-eat meats, poultry, dairy, seafood, and fresh produce sectors.

Specialization and USP

PhageGuard specializes exclusively in natural biocontrol solutions using bacteriophages—viruses that selectively kill bacteria. Their unique selling propositions include:

• Targeted Action: Phages target specific pathogens without affecting beneficial microbiota.
• Regulatory Acceptance: GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA for multiple products.
• Non-Toxic and Non-GMO: No chemical residues, antibiotic resistance, or GMO involvement.
• Ease of Use: Spray or dip application, integrated seamlessly into existing production lines.

PhageGuard products meet food industry demands for natural preservatives while addressing increasing consumer concern about chemical additives and antibiotic residues.

Financials and Shipment Data

As a private division of Micreos Food Safety, specific financials for PhageGuard are not publicly disclosed. However, according to export shipment data and industry reports:

• Annual Estimated Revenue: €5–8 million
• Global Reach: Products exported to over 25 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia.
• Top Sectors Served: Meat processing (40%), Dairy (20%), Seafood (15%), Produce (15%), Other (10%)
• Key Clients: Leading international food manufacturers such as OSI Group, Tyson Foods, and Maple Leaf Foods.

PhageGuard is a regular participant in international food safety expos, and its products are featured in HACCP-compliant facilities worldwide.

Target Market

PhageGuard serves a range of industries with critical hygiene requirements, including:

• Ready-to-eat meat and poultry processors
• Dairy product manufacturers
• Fresh produce processors
• Seafood producers
• Retail and foodservice providers looking for clean-label preservation

Their primary customer base includes QA departments, plant operations teams, food safety officers, and regulatory affairs professionals in medium to large-scale food production units.

Capabilities

PhageGuard’s operational strengths include:

• Advanced R&D Facilities: Located in Wageningen, in collaboration with Dutch research institutes and Wageningen University.
• Regulatory Expertise: Products are approved and accepted by major food safety authorities including FDA, Health Canada, EFSA (under consideration), and FSANZ.
• Custom Protocol Development: Tailored integration of bacteriophage interventions into client-specific production processes.
• On-site Trials and Support: Offering validation, dosage recommendations, and application training.

These capabilities allow PhageGuard to maintain innovation leadership and client-specific effectiveness in food pathogen control.

Certifications and Compliance

PhageGuard products comply with the following standards:

• FDA GRAS Status – Recognized as safe for application on food products.
• USDA Approval – Accepted as processing aids in meat and poultry plants.
• Health Canada Approval – Approved for Listeria and Salmonella control.
• Kosher and Halal Certification – Suitable for diverse consumer segments.

These credentials affirm PhageGuard’s commitment to regulatory excellence and cross-border product acceptance.

Customer Testimonials

Public statements from food safety executives and testimonials from trade publications often highlight:

• Significant reduction (up to 99.9%) of pathogens on treated food surfaces
• Minimal impact on taste, texture, or appearance
• High ease of implementation into existing processing lines

For example, OSI Europe reported improved Listeria control and extended product shelf-life after implementing PhageGuard L in its meat slicing operations.

Major Achievements

• Recognized as a pioneer in phage food safety solutions in the EU and North America.
• Over 50 million pounds of food treated annually with PhageGuard products worldwide.
• Scientific collaborations with leading microbiology institutes and regulatory bodies.
• Multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals validating efficacy and safety.
• Expansion into preharvest applications for livestock pathogen control.

PhageGuard continues to lead the global market in natural food pathogen control, driving innovation in sustainable, effective, and consumer-safe food protection technologies.