Evaluating a Combined Method of UV and Washing for Sanitizing Blueberries, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Baby Spinach, and Lettuce

We assessed a fresh produce decontamination system using a combined method of UV and washing (water-assisted UV [WUV]) in different scales. The system used tap water to wash fresh produce while exposing it to UV light. First, the reduction of Salmonella in tap water under UV treatment (1 to 1,740 mJ/cm2) was determined. Increasing the UV dose significantly (P < 0.05) increased the Salmonella reduction in wash water, and UV intensity of more than...