Successful combinations of nonthermal processes depend not only on enhanced microbial inactivation but also on the technical compatibility of the selected processes. For example, product characteristics are an important consideration, as PEF and ultrasonication are mainly restricted to treatment of liquid products, while ultraviolet radiation and pulsed light are limited to application on food or packaging surfaces. The biochemical effects of nonthermal processing on the product also need consideration because molecular and biological modifications caused by some technologies (e.g. HHP) have the theoretical potential to enhance, neu- tralize or reduce the effectiveness of others.
General aspects of the practical application of HHP, PEF, ultrasonication and irradiation to foods are briefly described in Sections 3.1 – 3.4 of this review.