The LAE-containing product (CytoGuard LA, A&B Ingredients,Fairfield, NJ) was applied with a separate spray system that consisted of six Sanitary PulsaJet air atomizing spray nozzles (part number 1/4JCO-SS þ SU13A-SS, Spraying Systems Co.) in two consecutive spray bars with three overhead nozzles on each. LAE spray bars were located behind the PAA spray bars and immediately before the sort table; this setup was designed to coat the walnuts with the LAE product as they tumbled off the first conveyor onto the second conveyor. Sprays were applied at 69 kPa (10 psi) liquid pressure and 140 kPa (20 psi) air pressure (flow ¼ 2.46 L/h/ nozzle ¼ 3.26 ml/kg walnuts).