Bacterial control on mung bean and green mustard sprouts by seed sterilisation using electrochemical activated solution before storage and processing

Sprout is a popular homemade salad, but frequently contaminated with pathogens, which requires efficient disinfection measure. The present work demonstrated an effective method to control microorganisms on seeds before sprout production using electrochemical activated solution (EAS). The seeds were treated with EAS containing different concentrations of chlorine to assess the efficacy of disinfection, germination, and sprout growth. The long-term effect of the treatment with EAS was studied on seeds stored for 4, 8, or 12 w at 8 or 28 degrees C. The results showed that EAS treatment reduced coliform and Erwinia carotovora without affecting seed germination or sprout growth. High sterilisation efficacy was achieved at higher available chlorine concentration (ACC) and/or longer treatment. The highest disinfection effect was observed at the ACC of 29.0 ppm and treatment at 15 min. Sterilisation was maintained for 12 w at 8 degrees C or 4 - 8 w at 28 degrees C when the seeds were treated with EAS having 29.0 ppm ACC in 15 min. The present work provided an effective way to control bacteria on seeds, and prevent the transmission of pathogens from seeds to later sprout products, thus improving their safety and hygiene.