UV-C light was effective in reducing Salmonella contamination
on tomatoes. Regardless of Salmonella contamination on different locations on tomato surfaces,
UV treatment was also shown to be effective in decreasing Salmonella populations.
CONCLUSION
This study indicated that UV-C light was effective in reducing Salmonella contamination
on tomatoes. Regardless of Salmonella contamination on different locations on tomato surfaces,
UV treatment was also shown to be effective in decreasing Salmonella populations.
UV-C light was also
effective in reducing Salmonella contamination on food contact surfaces. Therefore, the
application of UV-C light to treat tomatoes and food contact surfaces in commercial tomato
handling operations is feasible.