ARS | Publication request: Ultraviolet light-an FDA approved technology

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 25, 2011
Publication Date: August 3, 2011
Citation: Sommers, C.H. 2011. Ultraviolet light-an FDA approved technology [abstract]. International Association of Food Protection Annual Meeting, July 31-August 3, 2011, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. p 1.

Technical Abstract: Ultraviolet Light (254 nm) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved nonthermal intervention technology that can be used for decontamination of food and food contact surfaces. Ultraviolet light is a green technology that leaves no chemical residues. Results from our laboratory indicate that exposure of foods to UV intensities of 5 – 10 mW/s/cm2, with sufficient time to provide a total dose of 0.5 - 1.0 J/cm2, can inactivate 0.5 to 3.5 log10 of foodborne pathogens on food product surfaces depending on the food’s surface topology. In addition, exposure of foodborne pathogens to ultraviolet light can increase microorganism sensitivity to heat and GRAS food additives. The low cost and green nature of ultraviolet light have led to increased use of the technology by the food processing industry.