Antibiofilm efficacy of phage W5 against antimicrobial-resistant <i>Salmonella</i> Typhimurium targeting biofilms in dairy/meat/egg and on food-processing surfaces (PP/PE)

Antimicrobial-resistant <i>Salmonella</i> poses a severe threat to food safety and public health, particularly through persistent biofilms on food-processing surfaces and animal-derived products. Traditional disinfection methods often fail against biofilms, while antibiotic overuse accelerates resistance. Bacteriophages offer a targeted, sustainable alternative, but their real-world efficacy in food systems remains underexplored. This study addresses critical gaps by evaluating a novel phage's potential to combat biofilms in relevant food matrices (dairy, meat, and eggs) and on common food-contact surfaces (PP/PE). By demonstrating practical biocontrol under varying storage conditions, this research advances phage-based strategies to enhance food safety while mitigating antimicrobial resistance-a priority for global health and sustainable agriculture. The findings have direct implications for industry sanitation and regulatory approvals for phage applications in food systems.