Effect of 390 nm Light on Surface Microbes of Cut Carrots

Aims: To reduce the microbial load on cut-carrot surface using 390 nm Light Emiting Diode ( LED) illumination

Place and Duration of Study: Agro-Produce Processing Division, ICAR Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, India between August, 2017 to November, 2019

Methodology: Samples were collected from local market from India and LED treatment was given to samples and microbial analysis was conducted using spread plate method.

Results: The effect of 390 nm LEDs on cut-carrot surface has been evaluated in this study. The effect of dosage was found significant (p<0.05) for reducing bacterial and fungal load. Significant bacterial and fungal reduction was observed from 20 min of treatment till 3 h. Maximum inactivation of 28.4 % of bacteria and 24.1 % of fungus were detected at 3 h of exposure. These results demonstrated the potential of 390 nm LEDs as surface decontamination technology for cut-fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion: 390 nm LED illumination can be a suitable and eco-friendly novel technology for surface decontamination of cut fruits and vegetables in the food industry.