Microbial Decontamination of Fresh Produce (Strawberry) Using Washing Solutions

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effect of natural antimicrobial washing solutions against microbial growths on fresh produce specifically strawberries. Selected washing solutions used for strawberry washing, and treatments were sterile water (control), white vinegar (VI), crude lemon juice extract (LE), VI+Origanum oil (VIO), LE+Origanum oil (LEO), and VI+LE+Origanum oil (VILEO). From the preliminary study of antimicrobial activity of washing solutions in aqueous model system tested at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min against S. Typhimurium, washing time was determined as 5 min to be used for this study. After the washing, strawberries were stored at 4 °C for 5 days. Results showed that all natural washing solutions exhibited inhibitory effect against total aerobic bacteria, yeast and mold. On day 5, compared to the control, all washing solutions significantly reduced S. Typhimurium by 2.7 Log CFU/g (P<0.05). Color results showed that samples color were slightly changed by washing with VIO and VILEO. However, there was no significant difference in total color change on strawberries compared to the control (P>0.05). Based on the results, it is indicated that the combination of vinegar with crude lemon juice extract and essential oil might be suitable as natural sanitizer for decontamination of fresh produce.