High-Intensity Pulsed Light Parameters for the Decontamination of Salmonella Typhimurium on Cucurbita maxima Surfaces

Abstract

Microbial contamination of fresh produce poses a significant risk to food safety and post-harvest quality, necessitating effective and sustainable decontamination strategies. This study investigates the optimization of high-intensity pulsed light (HIPL) parameters for reducing Salmonella Typhimurium contamination on the surface of Cucurbita maxima. Controlled experiments were conducted using varying pulse intensities, exposure durations, and treatment distances to evaluate their effects on microbial load reduction and produce quality. The results demonstrated that optimized HIPL treatments significantly reduced Salmonella Typhimurium populations without adversely affecting the physical integrity, color, or surface characteristics of the produce. Moderate pulse intensity combined with appropriate exposure time achieved the highest decontamination efficiency, indicating a balance between microbial inactivation and product preservation. The effectiveness of HIPL is attributed to its ability to disrupt microbial cell structures through short bursts of high-energy light, thereby reducing pathogen viability. While analytical methods were used to quantify microbial reduction and assess quality parameters, the primary focus remained on improving post-harvest handling and food safety in horticultural systems. The findings highlight the potential of HIPL as a non-thermal, chemical-free technology for enhancing the microbial safety of fresh produce. This study contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by providing a practical approach to minimize post-harvest losses, improve food safety standards, and support environmentally responsible handling of horticultural commodities.