Q. Can you explain Antibiotics?
The antibiotics are the chemicals produced by microorganisms which are able to destroy or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. The therapeutic use of antibiotics in bacterial diseases is well established. This led to the thought of using antibiotics for the prevention of microbial spoilage of foods. Several antibiotics were tested as preservatives but their use has been discouraged, since it was observed that antibiotic resistant microorganisms were developing due to regular use. Only nisin produced by certain strains of milk souring organism, Streptococcus lactis is permitted to be used as a preservative in foods in several countries. With this, we come to an end to our discussion on methods used to control microbial growth. We hope this information equipped you in understanding the role of different factors influencing both the growth and survival of microorganisms in food.