“Nanosized” droplets of electrically charged water have been shown to inactivate pathogens on the surface of food and could one day become an environmentally friendly way to make food safer. That’s according to a study from researchers at Harvard University published in Environmental Science and Technologyand reported on by Chemical & Engineering News. The researchers say that if the technique can be improved, charged droplets of water could be a sustainable replacement to current methods of fruit and vegetable disinfection, which include applying mild bleaches, peroxides, and other chlorine-based solutions. Depending on the type of pathogen, the duration of the exposure, and the surface or food where the pathogen was located, laboratory tests showed that the charged water could eliminate anywhere from 80 to 98 percent of E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. The treatment works by spraying aerosolized water through an electrical field, resulting in charged droplets roughly 25 nanometers in diameter. A strong enough electrical charge will increase the droplet’s surface tension to the point of preventing evaporation. Sensory tests showed that the charged water did not alter the taste or texture of any foods tested. The downside: Current regulation typically requires a 99.999-percent elimination of bacterial loads for similar treatments. The charged water method would need to produce more consistent results — and do so more quickly — to become a viable option for the food industry.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that extensively drug resistant Shigella infections are increasing.
The research, published in the CDC's Morbidity and
A supplier of ready-to-eat hummus products in South Africa is facing a fine after Listeria was found in its products.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) referred BM Foods Manufacturers to
Auricchio brand Taleggio D.O.P. Cheese is being recalled in Canada because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
This recall was triggered by the company, according to the Canadian Food
7-Eleven brand sandwiches, subs and wraps are being recalled in Canada because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The products were distributed to 7-Eleven stores in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Liquid Blenz Corp. of Rockville Center, NY, is recalling all codes of Good Brain Tonic because of Botulism potential.
The Good Brain Tonic was distributed nationwide in retail stores and
