In conclusion, the combination of ozone and heat treatments can be used as a novel technology for the inactivation of foodborne pathogens in apple juice. We found a combination effect when apple juice is treated with both ozone and heat simultaneously and a clear synergistic effect at 50 °C. Also, this treatment is effective in that the color of the juice was maintained and the concentration of residual ozone in the juice might decrease to below 0.4 mg/l after ozone treatment. If this intervention is to be used in the food industry, processing for more rapid
ozone decomposition is necessary and specific treatment conditions such as temperature, time and ozone concentration should be established considering the inactivation of pathogens and maintenance of sensory quality in apple juice.