produce outbreaks and accounts for 17% of the produce outbreaks
during 1998 and 2007 (Center for Science in the Public Interest,
2009). Produce items associated with outbreaks of salmonellosis
include sprouts, greens-based salad, melon, and potatoes (DeWaal
& Bhuiya, 2007).
The first large multistate Salmonella outbreaks related to tomato
consumption were reported back in 1990 (Hedberg et al., 1999). The
tomato contamination source implicated in at least two outbreaks,
involving Salmonella Javiana and Salmonella Montevideo, was
traced to tomato packinghouses (CDC, 2005). Results of a study
done by Allen, Warren, Archer, Sargent, and Schneider (2005)
indicated that Salmonella can survive on tomato surfaces and
packing line surfaces under common environmental conditions.
Interventions are needed to minimize pathogen contamination
of raw produce and to eliminate them if present on produce. Normally,
fresh produce receives little microbial intervention other
than washing. For these reasons, alternative strategies to decrease
pathogenic bacterial levels on fresh produce are needed. One of the
alternatives is to use ultraviolet-C (UVeC) light at 254 nm.
* Corresponding author. UV light is used for air, water/liquid, and surface