However, the use of chlorine and chlorine-based derivatives for washing is becoming increasingly challenged. Considerations have included public health concerns with chlorine and its by-products and an increasing awareness of the negative environmental impact of chlorine (Parish et al., 2003). Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a food ingredient and is often used to control the microbial contamination of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables (Park et al., 2011 and Rahman et al., 2011).