Three different samples were chosen to study the degree of
disinfection: a green leafy product such as romaine lettuce (Lactuca
sativa L. var. longifolia), a smoothed surface fruit such as grape
tomatoes (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) and a porous surface vegetable
such as baby carrots (Daucus carota L.). All of the vegetables
were purchased in a local supermarket and kept under refrigerated
conditions (4 C) until used. Initial mesophilic loads were evaluated
for each vegetable.