PAA is a peroxide of acetic acid. PAA (oxidation-reduction of 1.81 eV) is a stronger oxidant and disinfectant than either sodium hypochlorite (1.36 eV) or chlorine dioxide (1.57 eV). PAA has been used for disinfection of food contact surfaces, process water and aseptic packaging (González-Aguilar et al., 2012).
According to the U.S. Food Drug Administration, the concentration of PAA cannot exceed 80 ppminwashwater used for sanitizing of fruits and vegetables and 220 ppmfor disinfection of red meat carcasses and organs (FDA, 2010). In addition to its antimicrobial action, the activity of PAA is less affected by organic matter or food material than chlorine (Kitis, 2004). Optimal activity of PAA occurs between pH 3 and 7. In addition, PAA breaks down in food andwater to safe and environmentally friendly residues (Demirci and Ngadi, 2012).