The use of bacteria as natural agents for bioconservation (protective cultures), able to control the ecosystem of foods at the expense of undesirable species (pathogenic flora and spoilage), represents a technology that is emerging and innovating as well as complex.

As such, positioned as an objective and independent link between scientific research, industrial needs and the public authorities, the ambition of the RMT is to define an approach that is homogeneous and recognised in order to apply bioprotective cultures that have proven their interest, their effectiveness and their safety in light of better management of microbiological danger.

Its actions apply to the three main food chains (meat products, sea food, dairy products).

Pooling of the skills and know-how acquired by the partners in the network, while incorporating the work carried out on the “bioprotective cultures” theme in France and in Europe.

Publishing a summary document for professionals, researchers, teachers and public authorities. This document will cover the three partner chains (meat products, sea food, dairy products) and will include the state of our knowledge on protective cultures, the existing industrial applications and their regulatory status according to the products and processes.

Identifying the stakes and blockages allowing for:
- Setting up R&D programmes that are coherent with professional expectations.
- Carrying out surveys on the consumer perception with regards to bioprotective cultures.
- The setting up of a work group with the public authorities.

Communication and dissemination of all of the knowledge acquired on bioprotective cultures: information and training days, colloquiums, publications in technical and scientific journals.