TEC Edmonton’s incubator tenant CanBiocin says yes.

Have you watched the Activia commercials – the actress eats the yogurt and her internal belly dancer is revealed! It’s the secret ingredient that we often overlook, the probiotic culture that is changing our outlook on bacteria. Imagine a friendly bacteria, back in 1998 CanBiocin did.

“Historically, people have depended on bacteria to preserve foods,” said Denise Carlson, Director of Operations for CanBiocin. “Today’s consumers are looking for ‘fresher’, minimally processed foods and this has pushed the processed meat industry to minimize the use of preservatives. “
CanBiocin, a University of Alberta spin-off, led by Dr. Mike Stiles applied their knowledge and experience in food microbiology to select specialized, but natural, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from food.

“With processed meats, the extended storage life and minimal processing, increases the risk that pathogens, such as Listeria can grow,” said Carlson. “Our product acts as ‘nature’s protector’ or as we like to call it ‘bioprotection’ increasing the safety of food by shielding it against the growth of foodborne pathogens, specifically the growth of Listeria on processed foods.”

Recall the 2008 crisis when Listeria broke loose in Maple Leaf Foods’ processed meat products. Many were left speculating how could this happen….how could this have been avoided? Working with their industrial partner, Griffith Laboratories - responsible for sales, marketing and distribution, CanBiocin’s team was already in action securing regulatory approvals for their friendly bacteria, a natural food technology called Micocin®.

“We’re a R&D company, not a distribution company so our partnership with Griffith Laboratories allows us to do what we do best – uncover novel ways to make the food we eat safer,” said Carlson. “Griffith then markets our breakthroughs to the food industry.”

The Listeria fighting bacteria received FDA approval in the US in 2005; however, CanBiocin is still awaiting Health Canada approval. Submitted in 2004 for Canadian regulatory approval, the time lag is definitely impacting their ability to sell to Canadian customers.

“As a Canadian company, we definitely want to sell our technology in Canada but until we receive approval from Health Canada we can’t,” said Carlson. “Currently Griffith is marketing our ‘bioprotection’ bacteria in the United States, Central America and across South America.”

While CanBiocin awaits Health Canada’s approvals of Micocin® the bacteria fighting team is working hard in their space at the TEC Centre to develop another product line - an animal health product called Procin®, while supporting Micocin® marketing initiatives in conjunction with Griffith Laboratories.

“Being located in the TEC Centre definitely has its benefits,” said Carlson. “We’re conveniently located to the resources we need such as access to service providers who specialize in assisting tech-based startups as well as a direct connection to the UofA via the LRT, for collaboration with researchers and use of labs and equipment. We couldn’t be better situated.”

The TEC Centre, located on the 4th floor of Enterprise Square, houses 23 tenants. Are you a startup looking for a home? If so, then visit the TEC Centre for more information.