Method for sanitizing fresh produce

Abstract

A method for sanitizing produce, by: treating the produce with a chlorine dioxide solution for a period of time sufficient to sanitize the produce; treating the produce with a solution containing chlorine for a period of time sufficient to further sanitize the produce; and treating the produce with a solution containing peroxyacetic acid for a period of time sufficient to further sanitize the produce, where treating with the chlorine dioxide solution, the solution containing chlorine, and the solution containing peroxyacetic acid yields at least an additional 1 log unit reduction in microbial load, as compared to produce treated with a single solution selected from the chlorine dioxide solution, the solution containing chlorine, and the solution containing peroxyacetic acid.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.