Post-Harvest Washing Water

Longer Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables

Since the 1950s, the per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables has more than doubled in the face of a growing world population, with a steady increase in the consumption of organic products. This makes it all the more important to offer shelf-stable and germ-free products for a healthy lifestyle, even in a plant-based nutrition.

Peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide are used in fruit and vegetable washing to combat pathogens in wash water and on produce. This post-harvest treatment reduces crop loss, enhances food safety, and extends freshness and shelf life.

Further Information

What is peracetic acid?

What is hydrogen peroxide?

Peracetic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide in Post-Harvest Washing and Processing

After harvest, fruits and vegetables must be washed to remove biological and agricultural contaminants. This post-harvest treatment improves food hygiene, extends freshness, and preserves shelf life during transport, storage, and consumption.

In our fast-paced daily lives, many people are turning to convenience products that need to be ready-to-eat but still fresh and safe. The demand for fresh-cut fruit and vegetables is constantly increasing, and with it, of course, quality requirements. More and more farmers and consumers are seeking resource-conserving, chemically safe food treatment that does not require chlorine-based additives for disinfection.

The use of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide in the washing water of post-harvest fruit and vegetable processing can increase food safety and secure yields. This is achieved by using peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide as disinfectants to eliminate pathogens and prevent cross-contamination via the washing water.

Peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide provide greater food hygiene, helping prevent foodborne illness. Hydrogen peroxide is a gentle yet highly oxidative disinfectant that combats, for example, noroviruses, which are otherwise quite hardy — for example, they can withstand freezer temperatures as low as -20 °C. Hydrogen peroxide can be used in wash baths and cold fogging of fruits and vegetables for sterilization. Peracetic acid is likewise a powerful oxidant that improves post-harvest handling by extending the shelf life of field products without leaving questionable residues on them or in the wash water.

Green apples in focus. Agriculture and production of organic apples. Automated apple washing and sorting machine. Cleaning apples in running water in a modern machine in the production industry

Key Benefits

Effective Control of Foodborne Pathogens – Reduces the risk of infections and diseases in humans.
Minimized Cross-Contamination – Keeps wash water and surfaces hygienic throughout the process.
Extended Shelf Life – Slows spoilage and maintains freshness of fruits and vegetables.
Reduced Yield Loss – Protects product quality and minimizes post-harvest waste.
Residue-Free & Eco-Friendly – Breaks down into harmless by-products, safe for consumers and the environment.

Peracetic Acid for Post-Harvest Recycling of Washing Water

Water is a precious resource. Effectively treating it for reuse in agriculture helps reduce consumption of freshwater resources and counteract the increasing scarcity of water.

During post-harvest recycling of washing water, pathogens, pollutants, and organic waste products are removed. This includes applying peracetic acid to clean and disinfect the recycled water. After use, peracetic acid breaks down into only biodegradable substances: water, oxygen, and vinegar. Thus no further cleanup steps are required.

Our Products for Post-Harvest Washing Water

Effect: Extending the shelf life and minimizing losses of agricultural products

Regulatory: Processing aid

Substance: Peracetic acid

Effect: Disinfection of wastewater and recycling water reprocessing

Regulatory: Biocide

Substance: Peracetic acid

Effect: Preservation of freshness in pre-processed fruits and vegetables

Regulatory: Processing aid

Substance: Hydrogen peroxide

Depending on the type of fruit and vegetable, we usually offer our peracetic acid products in concentrations of 5 and 15%.

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