Pulsed light technology to enhance food safety and quality: a mini-review

Pulsed light (PL) technology is one of the emerging technologies which can be used to inactivate several pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms both in vitro and in different foods while resulting in minimal influence on the quality attributes. The short duration - high power light pulses have been demonstrated to be powerful enough for inactivating microorganisms by a combination of photochemical, photothermal and photophysical mechanisms. In addition to the inactivation of microorganisms, PL treatment has been shown to be effective in some in-package microbial decontamination, reduction in allergens and for extending the shelf-life of certain foods while retaining its nutritional value. PL treatment can be used alone as well as in combination with other technologies as a hurdle concept. This mini-review provides an overview of the various applications of PL technology with special focus to the enhance food safety and quality.