CPC A61K 35/745 (2013.01) [A23L 33/105 (2016.08); A23L 33/135 (2016.08); A61K 8/99 (2013.01); A61K 9/0053 (2013.01); A61K 35/741 (2013.01); A61K 35/742 (2013.01); A61K 35/747 (2013.01); A61P 1/12 (2018.01); A61P 1/14 (2018.01)] | 19 Claims |
1. An edible fresh produce comprising:
an edible plant part or a tissue derived therefrom comprising at least one strain of probiotic bacteria colonizing an intercellular space and/or intracellular space of the edible plant part or tissue derived therefrom, being a result of exogenous inoculation of a pre-harvested plant with said at least one strain of probiotic bacteria and growth of the inoculated pre-harvested plant,
wherein said at least one strain of probiotic bacteria is not a natural endophyte of said edible fresh produce and has acquired endophytic characteristics comprising the capability to grow and proliferate in the inoculated pre-harvested plant from which said edible plant part or tissue derived therefrom is derived,
wherein said edible fresh produce is selected from the group consisting of a leafy produce, a root, a tuber, and a bulb of the plant,
wherein said at least one strain of probiotic bacteria is capable of inhabiting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of an animal, and
wherein said at least one strain of probiotic bacteria maintains or improves health of said animal.
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