Short-wave ultraviolet light inactivation of pathogens in fruit juices

Abstract

Fruit juice processing techniques are continuously developing to conform to modern consumer demands for safe, nutritious, tasty, natural, and fresh-like products. Short-wave ultraviolet (UV-C) light has been proven to be a suitable alternative processing method because of its positive consumer image and low processing cost. The use of UV-C light at 253.7. nm for food processing is safe and has been approved as an alternative treatment to reduce pathogens and other microorganisms in the production, processing, and handling of foods. The bactericidal mechanism of UV-C is based on the absorption of UV-C light by microbial DNA or RNA structures and the formation of pyrimidine dimers, preventing replication, making pathogens inactive and unable to cause infection. Fruit juices have a range of optical and physical properties and diverse chemical compositions that influence UV-C efficacy. Thus, this chapter describes the effect of UV-C light applications on the inactivation of pathogens in fruit juice and critical factors to ensure efficient treatment. © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.