The decontamination efficacy of pulsed electric field in food: Establishing global kinetic parameters
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Pulsed electric field (PEF) is a promising technology for microbial decontamination of liquid products such as fruit juices and beverages. This study developed a database with 569 PEF experiments for Escherichia coli , Listeria spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Salmonella spp., and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in a range of food matrices. The efficacy of PEF for different microbial species was evaluated through the decimal-reduction volumetric energy input D E vol , which is the energy input required to achieve a one log 10 microbial reduction. The matrix composition had a significant impact on the D E vol , decreasing the D E vol in high-acid fruit juices and increasing it in high-acid alcoholic products, revealing effects beyond acidity alone. Data for most species were available for high-acid fruit juices, and in this matrix, S. cerevisiae was the most sensitive species. A decision tree with eight matrix categories was developed to estimate the volumetric energy input needed for a 5-log 10 reduction for different target microbial species in different matrices. The global kinetic parameters reported in this study provide a quantitative benchmark for food business operators and risk assessors, and can serve as a first indication of PEF treatment efficacy. • Meta-regression of 569 PEF experiments for 7 microorganisms in food products • 100 kJ/L achieves 5-log 10 reduction for S. cerevisiae in juices; bacteria need more. • Matrix composition changes the decimal-reduction energy by up to eight-fold. • Decision tree developed to achieve 5-log 10 reduction in food products.
Authors: George Pampoukis, Jan Ham, Marcel H. Zwietering, Heidy M.W. den Besten
Institution: Wageningen University & Research
Language: English
Subfield: Biotechnology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,090
OpenAlex ID: W4416589274