Pineapple Study

Field Test of Pineapple Storage with Bluezone® Fresh Preservation Technology

Summary

In a two week field test, Bluezone reduced total bacterial count, yeast, and molds on pineapple.

Objective

The purpose of the test was to determine the impact of Bluezone Fresh Preservation Technology on microbial load within a pineapple storage room.

Methods and Materials

This trial was conducted in a cool room in which cartons of pineapple were stored. It was decided that the operational method to measure microbial load would be to swab the walls of the cool room. The walls of the room were swabbed using hand held swabs provided by the testing laboratory. For the initial readings, swabs were taken at two points in the test room and also in another room that had had a Bluezone® Fresh Preservation Technology Model 2400 unit operating for at least 14 days.

Results

The results of these initial tests were as follows:

After taking the initial samples one Bluezone® Fresh Preservation Technology Model 2400 unit was placed in the room and switched on. Because the back wall of the cool room under test had the highest bacterial count, thirteen days later the back wall of the room was swabbed again and the samples sent for analysis. During the thirteen days, no actions were taken that might influence the outcome of the trial other than the installation of the Bluezone® unit within the room. Produce type, room temperature, etc. all remained the same. The results obtained from this test were as follows:

Conclusion

The Bluezone Fresh Preservation Technology had reduced total bacterial count, yeast and molds in just 13 days and this can be expected to increase shelf life as well as reduce bacterial contamination around fans and walls within the cool room.