Comparison of peracetic acid and chlorine effectiveness during fresh-cut vegetables processing at industrial scale

Author(s):  
Eva Petri ◽  
Raquel Virto

This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of two sanitizing agents (chlorine and PAA) in reducing (both spoilage and pathogenic) microorganisms and in reducing disinfection by-products ( DBPs) in the washing stage of three types of minimally processed vegetables: Iceberg lettuce, carrots and baby leaves. These fresh-cut products are consumed uncooked and, hence, a proper sanitation is essential in preventing food-borne illness outbreaks. The comparison was done at industrial scale, using equipment already present in the fresh-cut industry and washers designed and manufatured for this purpose. Results showed that, regarding washing water hygiene and final product microbial quality, the use of PAA had a similar efficacy than chlorine. Different scenarios (SCN) combining PAA, chlorine and water have been tested simulating the current industrial processes for each one of the tested vegetables. Overall, results confirmed that the use of a sanitizer, PAA or chlorine, in the washing water of the three tested vegetables is effective for the prevention of cross-contamination during the washing process and hence, to guarantee produce food safety. Regarding final product microbiological quality and shelf life, the use of chlorine or PAA showed no significant differences in lettuces neither in baby leaves. Regarging the potential formation of chlorinated DBPs in processing water, they were found not in significant amounts when washing water was treated with PAA in all scenarios and vegetables tested. Washing with 80 mg/L chlorine generated important amounts of THMs, chlorates and chlorites. While chlorates and chlorites were always below the recommended levels or legal limits established for drinking water, THMs exceeded these legal limits . With respect to perchlorates, values were below the quantification limit in all SCNs. Results obtained in the present study show that PAA is a reliable alternative to chlorine disinfection strategies in the fresh-cut industry.

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1979-1990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Hägele ◽  
Simone Nübling ◽  
Ralf M. Schweiggert ◽  
Svenja Baur ◽  
Agnes Weiss ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-69
Author(s):  
Meri Septiana ◽  
Suci Wulan Pawhestri ◽  
Nurhaida Widiani ◽  
Rina Budi

Nata de leri is one of the products produced from fermented organic white, red, black rice washing water with the addition of red dragon fruit skin extract. In javanese the rice washing water is called Leri so that the resulting nata is called “Nata De Leri”. (carbohydrates, proteins, minerals) that are carried away from the rice membrane during the washing process. So that it can be utilized by microorganisms as a medium in making nata. The addition of red dragon fruit skin extract gives color because it contains a lot of anthocyanin and also the fiber and water content is very high. The purpose of this research was to determine the organoleptic and chemical characteristics of nata. This research used a qualitative descriptive method using a 2 factor complete randomized design and the treatment given was 75% of white, red, black rice washing water concentration, The concentration of red dragon fruit skin extract 75%, 50%, and 25%. The results showed that the most preferred texture on the addition of 75% red dragon fruit skin extract was an average of 4,65, the most preferred color in the addition of 75% and 25% red dragon fruit skin extract, the aroma of the average panelist doesn’t like all the aroma of nata de leri, for the taste all the samples were liked by the panelists because of their sweet taste. While the water content and crude fiber content produced are quite high on average but do not exceed SNI.


Author(s):  
Silvia Oktavia Nur Yudiastuti ◽  
Rizza Wijaya

The objective of this article was to study the effect of washing edamame using ozonated water to reduce residual chlorine contained in edamame through a continuous washing process. Chlorine residue in edamame was caused by the use of fertilizers and pesticides that contain chlorine compounds. The research method used was descriptive explanatory research consist of two treatment levels of ozonation time (0, 10, and 15 minutes) and ozone contact time (0, 12, 18, and 24 minutes) which were repeated twice. The residual chlorine and pesticide concentrations were calculated using the titration method. Based on research results, ozone can reduce chlorine in edamame. The lowest detected chlorine was in edamame which had been washed using ozone water with an ozonation time of 15 minutes with the amount of chlorine reduced by 56%. The longer the contact time, the greater the amount of reduced chlorine and the lower the concentration of ozone remaining in the washing water. Based on the research results, a brief conclusion that can be explained was ozone could reduce chlorine in edamame caused by fertilizer and disinfectant overuse until 50%.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 49-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Nogales-Delgado ◽  
A.M. Fernández-León ◽  
J. Delgado-Adámez ◽  
M.T. Hernández-Méndez ◽  
D. Bohoyo-Gil

In order to decrease microbial contamination, fresh-cut industry commonly uses sodium hypochlorite as a disinfection agent, however, the by-products such as trihalometanes and chloramines are potentially harmful for human health making necessary the search for alternative disinfectant agents. A comparative study on the effectiveness of different disinfection methods on the quality of minimally processed F. vesca strawberry is presented. The fruit was processed in a clean room through the following steps: reception, cutting, washing, draining, and packaging. The processed strawberries were packaged in thermally sealed polypropylene trays using passive modified atmosphere. During a storage period of 8 days at 4ºC, the quality parameters, sensory attributes, and microbial counts were determined. As conclusion, the use of lactic acid at a concentration of 2.5 g/l in the washing water was effective in reducing microbial counts, maintaining the sensory attributes and quality of the product during the storage. The present study demonstrates that the use of lactic acid in the washing water could be a good alternative of the use of sodium hypochlorite and suggests that strawberries could make an acceptable fresh-cut product.  


2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (5) ◽  
pp. 1277-1280 ◽  
Author(s):  
HANS FRÖDER ◽  
CECÍLIA GERALDES MARTINS ◽  
KATIA LEANI OLIVEIRA de SOUZA ◽  
MARIZA LANDGRAF ◽  
BERNADETTE D. G. M. FRANCO ◽  
...  

The increasing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables and for convenience foods is causing an expansion of the market share for minimally processed vegetables. Among the more common pathogenic microorganisms that can be transmitted to humans by these products are Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality of a selection of minimally processed vegetables. A total of 181 samples of minimally processed leafy salads were collected from retailers in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Counts of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, psychrotrophic microorganisms, and Salmonella were conducted for 133 samples. L. monocytogenes was assessed in 181 samples using the BAX System and by plating the enrichment broth onto Palcam and Oxford agars. Suspected Listeria colonies were submitted to classical biochemical tests. Populations of psychrotrophic microorganisms >106 CFU/g were found in 51% of the 133 samples, and Enterobacteriaceae populations between 105 and 106 CFU/g were found in 42% of the samples. Fecal coliform concentrations higher than 102 CFU/g (Brazilian standard) were found in 97 (73%) of the samples, and Salmonella was detected in 4 (3%) of the samples. Two of the Salmonella-positive samples had <102 CFU/g concentrations of fecal coliforms. L. monocytogenes was detected in only 1 (0.6%) of the 181 samples examined. This positive sample was simultaneously detected by both methods. The other Listeria species identified by plating were L. welshimeri (one sample of curly lettuce) and L. innocua (2 samples of watercress). The results indicate that minimally processed vegetables had poor microbiological quality, and these products could be a vehicle for pathogens such as Salmonella and L. monocytogenes.


Author(s):  
Sukhuntha Osiriphun ◽  
Phichaya Poonlarp ◽  
Danai Boonyakiat ◽  
Patcharin Raviyan

Fresh cut vegetables are a source of minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients that are convenient foods for consumers which are following the global trend of inclination toward health food. In terms of food safety, contamination of vegetables with microorganisms can occur at multiple points along the supply chain. This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus which contaminate freshly cut vegetables during production (receiving, washing, centrifuging, and packing areas) by using a statistical method for sensitivity analysis and an exposure assessment model complying with the @RiskTM software program. At washing step, the numbers of S. aureus found in the vegetables and water were 0.79 ±1.76 Log cfu/g and 0.68±1.52 Log cfu, respectively. For the equipment, the hand, and the table swabbing samples, the numbers of S. aureus were 0.48±1.07 Log cfu/25 cm2, 1.81±1.69 Log cfu/25 cm2 , and 0.54±1.21 Log cfu/25 cm2 , respectively. An amount of E. coli of 0.48±1.07 Log cfu/25 cm2 was found in the table swabbing samples at the packing area. E.coli and S. aureus were not found in any of the mixed fresh-cut salad samples; therefore, the product samples could be considered safe for consumers. The result of the sensitivity analysis showed that the temperature and pH of water samples were the important factors in the washing process. The suggested interventions included monitoring and maintaining the water temperature at 5°C; also, maintaining the pH of water between 6.5 and 7.5 could help to reduce pathogen contamination of freshly cut vegetables.


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