High-power pulsed light for microbial decontamination of some fruits and vegetables with different surfaces.

摘要

This study focused on the evaluation of possibility to use high-power pulsed light (HPPL) for microbial control of fruits and vegetables (FV) with different irregular surfaces. FV were treated with HPPL and afterwards analyzed in terms of microbial contamination, nutritional quality, colour and texture. Results indicated that the decontamination of FV by HPPL was significant compared to control. Naturally distributed mesophilic bacteria were inactivated by 1.0-1.3 log depending on FV surface characteristics. Inoculated Bacillus cereus was more susceptible to pulsed light treatment and its inactivation reached 1.3-2.0 log depending on surface. The increase of temperature on the surface of fruit never exceeded 42 degrees C. No significant changes in vitamin C, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, firmness and colour were observed in all treated FV. In conclusion, HPPL is effective, non-thermal and environmentally friendly technique which can be applied for microbial control of fruits and vegetables with different irregular surfaces.