Filling the Pipeline: Considerations for Novel Sanitizers in Organic Production

Washing fruits and vegetables postharvest removes debris and is necessary to prepare many commodities for market; however, this step has also been shown to be a primary point of contamination if antimicrobials are not used in the wash water. While chlorine and peroxyacetic acid are approved and effective, many organic producers seek alternatives. The antimicrobial effectiveness of essential oils, such as clove bud oil (CBO) and thyme oil (TO), have been recognized, but their hydrophobicity makes them difficult to implement in aqueous systems. Here we will discuss recent research evaluating the efficacy of self-emulsified alkaline-dissolved essential oils when tested in a produce washing system to control foodborne pathogens.