Safety Evaluation of <i>Weissella paramesenteroides</i> MW‐142 Isolated From Traditional Fermented Mulberry Wine

CFU/mL) showed no signs of poisoning or mortality over 14 days, with histopathological analysis confirming normal organ morphology. Hemolysis tests revealed no hemolytic zones (γ-hemolysis). Biochemical assays for harmful metabolites (indole, nitroreductase, amino acid decarboxylase, and azoreductase) were negative. Genomic screening using the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB) and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) identified 83 putative virulence-associated genes; however, over half shared < 50% sequence similarity with known determinants, and no classical toxin genes (e.g., hemolysins, enterotoxins) were found. Only intrinsic, low-risk antibiotic resistance genes were identified, and these were not associated with mobile genetic elements. These findings establish MW-142 as a safe candidate for industrial applications, providing a scientific basis for its further development as a probiotic or biopreservative.