Coconutmilkwas inoculated with Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimuriumto evaluate their inactivation using
a double tube type UV-C light systemat different flow rates (0–30.33 mL/s) and times (0–30 min). Non inoculated
coconut milk was UV-C light processed at 30.33 mL/s for selected dosages (0.342–1.026 kJ/m2) to evaluate
some physicochemical (total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, and color), bioactive (phenolic compounds
and antioxidant activity), microbial, and sensory characteristics. Untreated and heat treated coconut milk were
used as controls. The maximum log reduction for both E. coli and S. typhimurium was 4.1 ± 0.1 after 30 min of
UV-C light treatment at 30.33 mL/s. UV-C light affected color parameters of coconut milk. Phenolic compounds
decreased and antioxidant activity barely changed by the UV-C light treatment. At 1.026 kJ/m2 of UV-C light
dosage the reductions of mesophiles and molds plus yeasts were 2.0 and 1.3 log cycles, respectively.
Industrial relevance: Coconut is a fruit of the tropical regions of the world. Today, water of coconut and coconut
milk are being produced due to their natural benefits. Thermal processing is used to treat these products, however,
flavors and change in color may occur as well as the inactivation of antioxidants and vitamins. The UV-C
light processing is a promising non-thermal technology for “cold pasteurization” of coconutmilk to avoid sensorial
and nutritional changes and deliver a nutritious and microbiological safe food product to consumers