Preserving fresh fruit quality by low-dose electron beam processing for vending distribution channels

Food vending is estimated to be a $20 billion industry in the United States. There is an untapped business opportunity to positively influence nutrition and health by positioning fresh fruits and vegetable items as healthy vending items in vending machines. The hypothesis was that low dose (<= 1 kGy) electron beam (eBeam) processing, alone or, in combination with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is effective for developing fresh produce-based vending items. Shelf-life, sensory attributes, and consumer acceptability are key metrics for healthy vending items. The experimental objectives were to evaluate low dose eBeam (<= 1 kGy) processing alone or along with MAP for red grapes, cherry tomatoes, and strawberries for reducing bioburden, while maintaining sensory attributes and consumer acceptability scores. The eBeam treatment at <= 1 kGy alone, or in combination with MAP suppressed bioburden by at least 1 to 2 log units over 21 day refrigerated storage as compared to untreated control samples. eBeam processing did not adversely affect the color or the firmness of the fruits. A consumer taste panel did not find any significant difference (P >= 0.05) in acceptability of eBeam processed fruits (compared to untreated samples) in terms of appearance, odor, color, firmness and flavor. Overall, the results suggest that eBeam at low doses (<= 1 kGy) alone or in combination with MAP can be a unique approach for developing healthy vending items.