Antimicrobial action of octanoic acid against Escherichia coli O157:H7 during washing of baby spinach and grape tomatoes

We investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of octanoic acid (OA) against Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated on the surface of baby spinach and grape tomatoes during simulated washing processes. 3 mM OA at 45 °C achieved >6 log CFU/g reduction from the surface of tomatoes within 2 min. However, washing baby spinach with 6 mM OA at 5 °C resulted in 6 log) in 2 min•OA was effective in wash water of 5–45 °C and in presence of organic matter•OA reduced the risk of cross-contamination during washing of spinach and tomatoes•Produce color and microbial quality was not adversely affected by OA treatment•OA disrupt E. coli membrane through multiple factors resulting in bacterial death