Food Processing Commons^™

Optimizing The Application Of Plasma Functionalised Water (Pfw) For Microbial Safety In Fresh-Cut Endive Processing, Uta Schnabel, Martina Balazinski, Robert Wagner, Daniela Boehm, Paula Bourke

Articles

The microbiological profiles and responses of native microflora of endive were investigated using a model process line, to establish where a defined PFW should be optimally applied to retain or improve produce microbiological quality. The PFW processes were compared with tap water and ClO₂. The antimicrobial efficacy of PFW was quantified by determining the reduction in microbial load, the microbial viability and vitality. Depending on the stage of application of PFW, up to 5 log₁₀-cycles reduction was achieved, accompanied by a reduction of metabolic activity, but not necessarily with a decrease in metabolic vitality. Multiple application …