The potential use of Debaryomyces hansenii for the biological control of pathogenic fungi in food

The yeast Debaryomyces hansenii has proven high efficiency against several pathogenic fungi in a variety of niches. Several terrestrial and marine D. hansenii strains have been tested for their prospective use in biological control of fungal contamination in foods. Herein, the potential application of D. hansenii in the biological control of fungal pathogens in fruits, dairy products, processed meats, and cereals are reviewed and placed in perspective; including the involved mechanisms of action. Commercial products using D. hansenii account for its industrial production under well-established Good Management Practices. Therefore D. hansenii comes of age as a biological control microorganism against fungal pathogens in several food products.