Application of an innovative water-assisted ultraviolet C light technology for the inactivation of microorganisms in tomato processing industries

We aimed to study the efficacy of a water-assisted UVC light device (WUVC) as an innovative clean technology for disinfection fresh sound tomatoes and processing wash water turbidity was evaluated critical parameter. First, waters with different turbidities (from 0.4 828 NTU) were inoculated Listeria innocua treated in WUVC at dosages. Secondly, tomatoes, L. non-inoculated ones, using containing times. The reduction populations on surface tomato influenced by turbidity; lower values observed higher turbidities. Washing tap lamps off (control treatment, TW) decreased population but did not eliminate those bacteria that went into water. Contrarily, when lights on, after treatment significantly decreased, being lowest populations. Reductions native microbiota highest UV-C radiation dose than obtained artificially inoculated. demonstrated high reductions could be achieved system some drawbacks related increase should solved its implementation real conditions. • A novel tested Wash affected reducing from tomato. Reduction indigenous microorganisms has potential used industries.