Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Peroxyacetic/Octanoic Acid Mixture in Fresh-Cut-Vegetable Process Waters.

The antimicrobial efficacy of a peroxyacetic/octanoic acid mixture for fruit and vegetable process water was compared to peroxyacetic acid alone. Rate-of-kill studies using yeast and molds indicated that the peroxyacetic/ octanoic acid mixture had greater antifungal efficacy. In tests conducted during vegetable processing, use of the peroxyacetic/octanoic acid mixture was associated with lower numbers of yeast and molds in process water. In 1 example, lower numbers of yeast and molds in potato processing water containing the peroxyacetic acid/octanoic mixture were associated with lower yeast and mold counts on potatoes. Peroxyacetic/octanoic acid mixtures may offer processors using peroxyacetic acid a way to improve fungal reduction in recycled water processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]