Research Interest
Identify technologies and treatments that effectively inactivate human pathogens on fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, and study the impact of those chemical sanitizers (chlorine dioxide, acidified compounds etc.), non-thermal processing (ionizing radiation, ultraviolet), and other food safety interventions on textural, flavor and aroma (volatiles), and nutritional (ascorbic acid, antioxidants) quality. In addition, determine the accumulation of undesirable or potentially toxic chemicals that may be induced by processing or interventions, and develop approaches and strategies, including development of integrated processes, to optimize positive quality attributes and minimize undesirable characteristics of foods by combining safety interventions with other methods such as modified atmosphere packaging, antibrowning and antisoftening agents, and antioxidants.