The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reported a 71% decline in U.S. sales of antimicrobial drugs for chicken production over the past seven years.
Phytoflock is leading the way with a poultry feed additive made from upcycled grape pomace. Grape pomace, composed of leftover grape skins, seeds, and stems, is packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and bioactive compounds. When incorporated into poultry feed, pomace promotes growth and boosts immune health while decreasing the likelihood of infections and common pathogens, according to Elad Tako, Principal Investigator of The Tako Research Group, where Phytoflock’s research is conducted.
Tako explains that the benefits of grape pomace closely resemble those provided by antibiotics over the years. Antibiotics have been widely used in poultry farming to manage infectious diseases like Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium, which pose significant concerns for farmers, according to a USDA report. While antibiotics help improve chicken size and longevity and contribute to food safety, their overuse poses serious risks to both animal and human health, notes Albert Charles, Phytoflock’s founder.
The overuse of antibiotics has led to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which the United Nations describes as one of the greatest global threats. In 2019, 4.95 million deaths were linked to bacterial antibiotic resistance, with 1.27 million directly caused by AMR, according to the World Health Organization. As a result, many countries are implementing stricter regulations on antibiotic use in farmed animals.
Phytoflock sees the nutritional advantages of grape pomace as a promising alternative to antibiotics, offering similar immune and growth benefits while sidestepping the health risks linked to antibiotic use. Additionally, by using an upcycled ingredient, Phytoflock is contributing to the reduction of food waste and minimizing environmental impact.
Gaining market adoption will depend on building trust and proving the product’s effectiveness. Another challenge is maintaining cost-efficiency, as Charles emphasizes the importance of keeping feed costs manageable for consumers, especially those with limited budgets.
Source: FoodTank
