contamination is expected to nullify the decontamination efficacy
of the UV-C light treatment. Based on these issues, efficacious
implementation of UV-C light in the food sector depends on the
possibility to ensure accurate treatment of 100% product surface
and reduce the risk for post-treatment contamination.
The aim of the present paperwas to evaluate the effectiveness of
UV-C light in extending the shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple sticks
packaged in conventional plastic trays. The researchwas articulated
in three parts. In the first one, the decontamination efficacy of UV-C
light on pineapple sticks was studied. In the second part the potential
of UV-C light treatments in maintaining quality of pineapple
sticks packaged in commonly used PET/EVOH/PE trays was evaluated.
Finally, the efficacy of UV-C light applied after fruit packaging
in PA/PE pouches to avoid the risk for post-treatment contamination
was evaluated. The effect of the treatment was monitored by
assessing the evolution of microbial counts, head space oxygen
concentration, colour and consumer preference during storage of
pineapple sticks at 6 C