Use of ozoned water in the postharvest treatment of tomatoes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ozoned water for the disinfection of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) FA-180. The ripened tomatoes were inoculated with Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and washed with ozoned water under two systems of agitation during 15 and 30 min in concentrations of dissolved ozone of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L, and it was evaluated the concentration of the microorganism in the treated and non treated tomatoes. It was demonstrated that ozone in aqueous phase has a marked effect in the disinfection of polluted tomatoes, and the washing system with a lab shaker was the more appropriated. A concentration of dissolved ozone of 1 mg/L and a time of treatment of 15 min are recommended to achieve a satisfactory disinfection in ripened tomatoes.