Phage analysis in Swiss dairy plants 1986-1996

Since 1986, the FAM offers to the consultant services the possibility to have phages analysed. Methods used for this purpose have been optimised and are, since 1994, integrated in an accredited field. Our experiments have shown that phages participate in most of the starter acidification failures. Although phages have to be tolerated in dairy factories, their massive multiplication has to be efficiently fought. To do so, it is necessary to apply normal hygienic measures and to introduce a quality assuran concept.