Inactivation of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Listeria Innocua by Benzoic Acid, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid and Their Combination in Model Wash Water and Simulated Spinach Washing.

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of benzoic acid (BA) and EDTA mixture in inactivating bacteria in the water used for produce washing and reducing the incidence of cross-contamination during washing of fresh produce. Use of BA + EDTA mixture has significant benefits such as: (a) ability to be reused, (b) effectiveness in the presence of organic matter, and (c) reduced need of monitoring wash water conditions such as pH, concentration and organic matter.