Although the addition of certain additives represents a viable
option to ensure the safety and extend the shelf life of UV-treated
beverages, our study demonstrated that ascorbic acid, benzoate,
and sorbate, additives commonly used by the juice industry, increase
the juice's absorption coefficient and negatively interfere
with the performance of UV. Furthermore, under the studied conditions,
UV leads to a degradation of ascorbic acid, sulfur dioxide
and potassium sorbate, while the addition of ascorbic acid
adversely impaired the inactivation of E. coli. Therefore, additives
that increase the absorption coefficient of liquid food products or
are unfavorably affected by UV light should be added after UV
treatment