Disinfection of water in a cherry hydrocooler

Post-Harvest Belgium
Farmers strive to minimize the loss of fruit quality between the time of harvesting and reaching the end consumer. A new preservation technique that is often used to increase the shelf life of cherries is a hydrocooler.

The challenge

Pathogens that are present on the cherries can accumulate rapidly in the water resulting in possible cross contamination of the fruits. It is therefore of crucial importance for food safety reasons as well as for the quality of the fruit, that the microbiological contamination of the cooling water is adequately monitored and if necessary reduced through disinfection.

Our solution

In order to investigate the efficacy of Huwa-San TR-50 in reducing the number of micro-organisms in cooling water, a research project was initiated in collaboration with PC Fruit in which Huwa-San TR-50 was used to disinfect the water of a hydrocooler. The test consisted of two 2 parts:

1. Efficacy of Huwa-San TR-50 in disinfecting cooling water

During the use of the hydrocooler, a continuous concentration of Huwa-San TR-50 was maintained in the cooling water. Water samples were taken before and after addition of Huwa-San TR-50 and analysed by an independent laboratory.

Aerobic cell count (cfu/mL) Fungi
(cfu/mL)		 Pseudomonas spp. (cfu/mL) Coliforms (cfu/100mL) Enterococci (cfu/100mL)
REDUCTION RATE
99,9% 94,3% 100% 100% 100%

When Huwa-San TR-50 is administered, it appears that the aerobic germ count and fungi, as well as the Pseudomonas spp., E.coli, Coliforms and Enterococci are strongly reduced in concentration.

2. Huwa-San TR-50 has no phytotoxic effect on the cherries

To assure the addition of Huwa-San TR-50 has no negative influence on the quality of the cherries, immersion tests were conducted in which cherries from 3 different varieties were immersed in water with Huwa-San TR-50. The concentration applied in this test was 10 x the user concentration, thereby mimicking the worst-case scenario.

Concentration Contact time Damage (Yes/No)
Control (0 mL/m³ Huwa-San) 5 min / 10 min No
10x user concentration Huwa-San TR-50 5 min / 10 min No

This trial showed that concentrations of Huwa-San TR-50 up to 10 times the recommended user concentration, regardless of the contact time, have no influence on the quality of the cherries. Thereby reassuring that the application of the disinfectant will not damage the cherries.

The results

Huwa-San TR-50 can be used for disinfecting cooling water of fruits. The life span of the used water can be extended, which is becoming increasingly important due to the increasing water scarcity. Moreover, it is also safer for the consumer as no human pathogens were detected.

  • No residue
  • Prevention of cross-contamination
  • Less water consummation
  • Augmentation of end-product quality
  • Less spoilage
Post-Harvest
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Used products

Huwa-San TR-50 is a registered biocide. Use biocides safely. Before use, read the label and product information.

Biocides are governed by stringent regulatory frameworks, the particulars of which may differ across nations. In this instance, the application adheres entirely to the regulations of the respective country but may not necessarily comply with those of others. It is advisable to consult our in-house experts for guidance on particular applications.

Post-Harvest

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