Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/590163
22 NOVEMBER 2015 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com U ltraviolet C light can control pathogens on fruit surfaces and could potentially be used on fruit packing lines to ensure food safety, says a team of Washington State University scientists. The team, led by Dr. Shyam Sablani, biological sys- tems engineer, did laboratory studies to assess how well UV-C light could control Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli) and Listeria monocytogenes (listeria) on fresh apples, pears, cantaloupes, strawberries, and raspberries. UV-C light has a shorter wavelength than UV-A or UV-B light. It is present in sunlight, but is completely absorbed by the ozone layer and the Earth's atmosphere. Lamps that emit UV-C light are commercially available. UV-C light cannot penetrate solid objects but can san- itize surfaces. It works on microorganisms by destroying the nucleic acid and disrupting the DNA. It has been used to sanitize food contact surfaces as well as drinking water and contaminated air. Previous research has shown that UV-C light can be more effective against E. coli than chlorine, ozone, or electrolyzed water. UV-C light, at a level of 254 nano- meters, is approved for microbial reduction in food and juice. Although some juice processing plants in the United States use UV pasteurization, UV-C light has not yet been used in fresh fruit packing houses because there was no research to show how effective it could be. Packers typ- ically use liquid sanitizers such as sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, and peroxyacetic acid, to disinfect fresh produce. The fruit are also sometimes brushed to reduce the microbial load. "Now, we're realizing this is not foolproof and there's UV light controls PATHOGENS New Technology WSU scientists envision UV-C lights being installed on packing lines. by Geraldine Warner Growers: Attract and maintain a steady labor force by offering on-farm hous- ing that sleeps up to 20 workers in high quality, low maintenance structures. We have several floor plans approved by the Washington State Department of Health– fully self-contained units, and dormitory only. They include: • showers • eating area • toilets/sinks • sleeping area • kitchen with appliances - GE • social area • plumbed for washer/dryer Experienced in building H-2A Housing . Our homes are built to perform under the conditions required. We use these quality components: • James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding • Jeld-Wen windows with double-strength glass • Copper water lines • Large capacity water heaters We have over 25 years' experience in building quality farm housing. OVER 310 units already SOLD! V ALLEY MANUFACTURED HOUSING INC. 1717 South 4th Street • Sunnyside, WA 98944 Call Brad Busey: 509.839.9409 on OHxF-87, & Pyro 233 Pears Apples on M-9 T337, M-9 PAJAM 2®, EMLA 26, Geneva® 41, Bud 118 & Bud 10 on Krymsk® 5, Krymsk® 6, Gisela® 6, Gisela® 12 Mazzard, Mahaleb & EMLA-COLT Cherries