Effectiveness of sanitizing agents in inactivating Escherichia coli in Golden Delicious apples

Research was undertaken to develop improved methods of sanitizing apples co ntaminated with Escherichia coli, Unwaxed Golden Delicious apples, inoculat ed with nonpathogenic E. coli, were washed with 200 ppm Cl-2, commercial wa shing formulations, 5% H2O2, or combinations of H2O2 with commercial formul ations at ca, 20 degrees C or 50 degrees C, Heated commercial formulations achieved a 2.5 log reduction in E. coli load, compared to a 2 log reduction for 200 ppm Cl-2. However, heated combinations of H2O2 with acidic surfact ants achieved a 3-4 log reduction. Residual H2O2 in treated apples dissipat ed within several hours. These results demonstrate the efficacy of H2O2 in decontaminating apples containing E. coli.