New Produce Wash Has Reduced Microbial Load
A patented two-step process offers a chlorine-free alternative for maintaining produce freshness and safety.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
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Food Freshly has debuted a new, two-step produce washing technology that achieves significant microbial reduction without traditional harsh chemicals. This commercial-grade process is currently being applied in trials in Spain.
Why it matters
By eliminating the need for chlorine or peracetic acid, this technology offers a way to reduce surface contaminants while avoiding the chemical by-products or odors often associated with conventional wash treatments.
In over 250 laboratory trials, the two-step washing process demonstrated a microbial load reduction of up to 3 log units compared to untreated produce. While the system has shown efficacy in controlled settings, including a 2 log reduction in cut carrots, its real-world performance is still under active investigation.
The players
Food Freshly
A food science company focused on developing chemical-free preservation and washing technologies for fresh produce.
The details
The technology works through a two-stage process: first, a surface-cleaning phase physically removes soil and organic matter from the produce. This is followed by an antioxidant treatment that preserves the color, texture, and overall freshness of the food. By bypassing chlorine and peracetic acid, the system prevents common chemical residues and odors from developing during the washing cycle.
Timeline
Development of the wash process began in 2018.
The process will be presented at Fruit Attraction 2026.
Health Landscape
This innovation follows the evolution of industrial food safety, moving away from legacy chemical sanitizers like chlorine toward targeted, antioxidant-based interventions. It aligns with existing European food safety frameworks by meeting established classifications for processing aids under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
While this technology is primarily for industrial use, it reflects an industry-wide shift toward reducing chemical residues on the fresh produce you buy. If you are concerned about food-borne contaminants or chemical residues, discuss washing best practices with a registered dietitian or food safety expert.
The takeaway
This new process demonstrates that chemical-free washing can effectively reduce microbial loads while preserving the quality of produce. Consumers interested in reducing their exposure to wash-related chemicals can continue to follow local food-handling guidelines or consult experts regarding safe produce preparation.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in food safety and production standards in our Organic Food section.
More information
For more information on the development and commercial applications of this technology, visit the Food Freshly company website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
Live Poll
Should food processors prioritize chemical-free washing methods over traditional chlorine-based sanitizers?
