Joellen Feirtag, a University Extension food scientist, is
testing the ability of an electrolytic process to disinfect
fresh produce. Taking aim at polluted produce University
researcher probes a promising produce purifier By Deane Morrison
Dec. 19, 2006 In this era of E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks,
consumers are concerned about harmful bacteria and viruses
hitching a ride on fresh fruits and vegetables. But few want
their produce dipped in harsh disinfectants that will damage the
environment or human health. That was the backdrop a week ago,
when the media spotlight fell on Joellen Feirtag, a University
professor of food science and nutrition. She is testing a way of
purifying produce using only a dilute salt solution and an
electric current. The technology, called ECT (electro-chemical
activation), was developed by Russian scientists to get rid of
bacterial films gumming up oil and gas pipelines. Feirtag, a
microbiologist, is helping companies that handle fresh produce
assess ECT's potential in the food