Orange Peel, Pulp Kills E. coli, Salmonella

BELTSVILLE, Md.New research from USDAs Agricultural Research Service reveals that essential oils in orange peel and pulp have the ability to kill E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in the intestinal tract of sheep. The second phase of the study examines whether the natural byproducts can be used as a potential feed ingredient in beef cattle.

According to the researchers, their results indicate that citrus products included in ruminant rations decreased ruminal populations of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium without causing a significant change in fermentation end products. Based on the data, it appears that orange pulp provides an antipathogenic activity in a vehicle that is amenable to current production practices, is palatable to the consumer as a "green" solution, is economically feasible, and is available to the producer currently.