Use of UV-C and Gaseous Ozone as Sanitizing Agents for Keeping the Quality of Fresh-Cut Rocket (<i>Eruca sativa mill</i>)

Abstract

The effects of UV-C radiation doses (5, 10 and 20 kJ/m2) and gaseous ozone doses (1, 2 and 5 ppm) on microbial growth and quality parameters of fresh-cut rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa) leaves throughout 12 days at 5C were investigated. As control, washing with water was used. Sensory attributes (general appearance, decay, color and odor), headspace gas composition, some chemical characteristics (chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids) and microbial counts throughout shelf-life were studied. Fresh-cut rocket was not adversely affected by the UV-C and ozone treatment, maintaining the sensory quality during cold storage. The 20 kJ UV-C/m2 treatment was found to be better than the chlorine and gaseous ozone treatments, in terms of reducing the microbial load in fresh-cut rocket during 8 days of storage at 5C. Practical Applications The information provided in this study shows that the treatment with UV-C radiation and gaseous ozone treatment represent a novel technology that could be useful to the industry, allowing surface decontamination of fresh-cut rocket to be achieved while maintaining their overall quality. Its applications can easily be applied in industry.