Combined effects of aqueous chlorine dioxide and ultrasonic treatments on shelf-life and nutritional quality of bok choy (Brassica chinensis)

Multimode ultrasonic-assisted decontamination of fruits and vegetables: A review

Fruits and vegetables (F&V) are a significant part of our diet consumption. Microbial and pesticide residues are the predominant safety hazards of F&V consumption. Ordinary water washing has a very limited effect on removing microorganisms and pesticide residues and requires high water usage. Ultrasound, as an environmentally friendly technology, shows excellent potential for reducing microbial contamination and pesticide residue. This paper summarizes the research on ultrasound application in F&V washing, including the removal of microbial and pesticide residues and the comprehensive effect on their physicochemical characteristics. Furthermore, multimode ultrasonic-assisted techniques like multi-frequency and sequential ultrasound, combined with novel and conventional methods, can enhance the ultrasound-based effect and be more effective and sustainable in preventing F&V from microbial contamination. Overall, this work explicitly establishes the background on the potential for ultrasound cleaning and disinfection in the food industry as a green, effective, and ultimate method of preventing foodborne illnesses.

Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Protein Hydrolysis in Food Processing: Mechanism and Parameters

Ultrasound has been widely used as a green and efficient non-thermal processing technique to assist with enzymatic hydrolysis. Compared with traditional enzymatic hydrolysis, ultrasonic-pretreatment-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis can significantly improve the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis and enhance the biological activity of substrates. At present, this technology is mainly used for the extraction of bioactive substances and the degradation of biological macromolecules. This review is focused on the mechanism of enzymatic hydrolysis assisted by ultrasonic pretreatment, including the effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on the enzyme structure, substrate structure, enzymatic hydrolysis kinetics, and thermodynamics and the effects of the ultrasonic conditions on the enzymatic hydrolysis results. The development status of ultrasonic devices and the application of ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis in the food industry are briefly described in this study. In the future, more attention should be paid to research on ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis devices to promote the expansion of production and improve production efficiency.

Applications of ultrasonication on food enzyme inactivation- recent review report (2017-2022)

Ultrasound processing has been widely applied in food sector for various applications such as decontamination and structural and functional components modifications in food. Enzymes are proteinaceous in nature and are widely used due to its catalytic activity. To mitigate the undesirable effects caused by the enzymes various technologies have been utilized to inactive the enzymes and improve the enzyme efficiency. Ultrasound is an emerging technology that produces acoustic waves which causes rapid formation and collapse of bubbles. It has the capacity to break the hydrogen bonds and interact with the polypeptide chains due to Vander Waals forces leading to the alteration of the secondary and tertiary structure of the enzymes thereby leading to loss in their biological activity. US effectively inactivates various dairy-related enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactoperoxidase (LPO), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) with increased US intensity and time without affecting the natural dairy flavors. The review also demonstrates that inactivation of enzymes presents in fruit and vegetables such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO), polygalacturonase (PG), Pectin methyl esterase (PME), and peroxidase. The presence of the enzymes causes detrimental effects causes off-flavors, off-colors, cloudiness, reduction in viscosity of juices, therefore the formation of high-energy free molecules during sonication affects the catalytic function of enzymes and thereby causing inactivation. Therefore this manuscript elucidates the recent advances made in the inactivation of common, enzymes infruits, vegetables and dairy products by the application of ultrasound and also explains the enzyme inactivation kinetics associated. Further this manuscript also discusses the ultrasound with other combined technologies, mechanisms, and its effects on the enzyme inactivation.

Ultrasonic washing as an abiotic elicitor to increase the phenolic content in fruits and vegetables: A review

Ultrasonic washing has been widely applied to the postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables as a residue-free physical washing technology, which plays an important role in improving shelf-life, safety, and nutritional value. Phenolics are a large group of phytochemicals widespread in fruits and vegetables, and they have been considered potential protective factors against some diseases because of potent antioxidative properties. Previous studies have shown that ultrasonic washing can increase the phenolic content of fruits and vegetables immediately or during storage through the induction of plant stress responses, which is of great significance for improving the functional and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. However, the mechanisms of ultrasound as an elicitor to improve the phenolic content remain controversial. Therefore, this review summarizes the applications of ultrasonic washing to increase the phenolic content in fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, the corresponding physiological stress response mechanisms of the phenolic accumulation in terms of immediate stress responses (i.e., higher extractability of phenolics) and late stress responses (i.e., metabolism of phenolics) are expounded. Moreover, a hypothetical model is proposed to explain phenolic biosynthesis triggered by signaling molecules produced under ultrasound stress, including primary signal (i.e., extracellular adenosine triphosphate) and secondary signals (e.g., reactive oxygen species, Ca²⁺ , NO, jasmonates, and ethylene). Additionally, the techno-economic feasibility of ultrasonic washing technology is also discussed. Further, challenges and trends for further development of ultrasonic washing as an abiotic elicitor applied to the postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables are presented.

Synergistic bactericidal effect of ultrasound combined with citral nanoemulsion on Salmonella and its application in the preservation of purple kale

In this study, a novel citral nanoemulsion (CLNE) was prepared by ultrasonic emulsification. The synergistic antibacterial mechanism of ultrasound combined with CLNE against Salmonella Typhimurium and the effect on the physicochemical properties of purple kale were investigated. The results showed that the combined treatment showed obviously inactivate effect of S. Typhimurium. Treatment with 0.3 mg/mL CLNE combined with US (20 kHz, 253 W/cm²) for 8 min reduced S. Typhimurium populations in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) by 9.05 log CFU/mL. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), flow cytometry (FCM), protein and nucleic acid release assays showed that the US combination CLNE disrupt the integrity of S. Typhimurium membranes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) detection indicated that US+CLNE exacerbated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. The morphological changes of cells after different treatments by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) illustrated that the synergistic effect of US+CLNE treatment changed the morphology and internal microstructure of the bacteriophage cells. Application of US+CLNE on purple kale leaves for 6 min significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the number of S. Typhimurium, but no changes in the physicochemical properties of the leaves were detected. This study elucidates the synergistic antibacterial mechanism of ultrasound combined with CLNE and provides a theoretical basis for its application in food sterilization.

Ultrasonic washing as an abiotic elicitor to induce the accumulation of phenolics of fresh-cut red cabbages: Effects on storage quality and microbial safety

Ultrasonic washing has been proved to be an abiotic elicitor to induce the accumulation of phenolics in some fruit and vegetables. However, the feasibility of ultrasonic washing on the accumulation of phenolics in fresh-cut red cabbages has not yet been reported. Therefore, the effects of ultrasonic washing on the phenolics and related phenolic metabolism enzymes of fresh-cut red cabbages, as well as quality and microbial safety during cold storage, were investigated. Firstly, the single-factor tests were used to optimize the ultrasonic processing parameters, including frequency mode, frequency amplitude, power density, frequency cycle time, and ultrasonic washing. Then the activities of the enzymes related to phenolic metabolisms after optimal ultrasound treatment were investigated, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD). Additionally, the quality and microbial safety of fresh-cut red cabbages stored at 4°C under the optimal ultrasound treatment were evaluated. The results showed that the content of soluble phenolics (SPs) in fresh-cut red cabbages increased significantly during storage under the optimal conditions (28 ± 2 kHz, 60 W/L, 400 ms, and 20 min) compared with the control (P < 0.05). The PAL activity was activated and the PPO and POD activities were inhibited after ultrasonic washing, which contributed to the increase in the content of SPs. Meanwhile, the storage quality and microbial safety of fresh-cut red cabbages were improved. Ultrasonic washing reduced the weight loss and respiration rate and improved the color and texture characteristics. Additionally, the fresh-cut red cabbages after ultrasonic washing showed more retention of ascorbic acid (AA), total soluble proteins (TSPs), total soluble sugars (TSSs), and total soluble solids (SSs) compared with the control. Finally, ultrasonic washing effectively inhibited the growth of bacteria, molds and yeasts, which is beneficial to the extension of the shelf-life of fresh-cut red cabbages. Therefore, ultrasonic washing can be used as a tool to increase the content of SPs in fresh-cut red cabbages while retaining quality attributes and microbial safety.

Ultrasound, Acetic Acid, and Peracetic Acid as Alternatives Sanitizers to Chlorine Compounds for Fresh-Cut Kale Decontamination

Chlorinated compounds are usually applied in vegetable sanitization, but there are concerns about their application. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate ultrasound (50 kHz), acetic acid (1000; 2000 mg/L), and peracetic acid (20 mg/L) and their combination as alternative treatments to 200 mg/L sodium dichloroisocyanurate. The overall microbial, physicochemical, and nutritional quality of kale stored at 7 °C were assessed. The impact on Salmonella enterica Typhimurium was verified by plate-counting and scanning electron microscopy. Ultrasound combined with peracetic acid exhibited higher reductions in aerobic mesophiles, molds and yeasts, and coliforms at 35 °C (2.6; 2.4; 2.6 log CFU/g, respectively). Microbial counts remained stable during storage. The highest reduction in Salmonella occurred with the combination of ultrasound and acetic acid at 1000 mg/L and acetic acid at 2000 mg/L (2.8; 3.8 log CFU/g, respectively). No synergistic effect was observed with the combination of treatments. The cellular morphology of the pathogen altered after combinations of ultrasound and acetic acid at 2000 mg/L and peracetic acid. No changes in titratable total acidity, mass loss, vitamin C, or total phenolic compounds occurred. Alternative treatments presented equal to or greater efficacies than chlorinated compounds, so they could potentially be used for the decontamination of kale.

Chlorophyllin-Based 405 nm Light Photodynamic Improved Fresh-Cut Pakchoi Quality at Postharvest and Inhibited the Formation of Biofilm

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chlorophyllin-based photodynamic inactivation (Chl-PDI) on biofilm formation and fresh-cut pakchoi quality during storage. Firstly, Chl-based PDI reduced the amount of biofilm in an in vivo experiment and inactivated the food spoilage bacteria. Antibacterial mechanism analysis indicated that the bacterial extracellular polysaccharides and extracellular proteins were vulnerable targets for attacks by the Chl-based PDI. Then, the food spoilage microorganisms (Pseudomonas reinekei and Pseudomonas palleroniana) were inoculated onto the surface of fresh-cut pakchoi. We used chlorophyllin (1 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L) and 405 nm light (22.27 J/cm² per day) to investigate the effect of Chl-based PDI treatment on fresh-cut pakchoi quality during storage. The results showed that Chl-based PDI increased the visual quality and the content of chlorophyll, VC, total soluble solids, and SOD activity and decreased the occurrence of leaf yellowing and POD activity. These suggest that Chl-based PDI can be used for the preservation of fresh-cut pakchoi and has the potential to inhibit biofilm formation of food spoilage bacteria. It is of great significance for the effective processing and traditional vegetable preservation.

Aqueous chlorine dioxide generated with organic acids have higher antimicrobial efficacy than those generated with inorganic acids

Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is commonly generated by mixing sodium chlorite and acid. This study aimed to evaluate how acid affects the release kinetics and antimicrobial property of ClO₂. Solutions made with weak acids released ClO₂ more slowly and had higher stability than those made with hydrochloric acid. Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes were treated with 1, 2.5, and 5 ppm ClO₂ for 3 or 5 min. Lettuce inoculated with the pathogenic bacteria were treated with 2.5 and 5 ppm ClO₂ for 5 min. The effects of peptone load at 0.01% and 0.02% on the antimicrobial efficacy of ClO₂ were investigated in S. Typhimurium cell suspensions. The contribution of acids alone at the pH of the ClO₂ solutions to bacterial reduction was also evaluated. The 2.5 ppm ClO₂ solutions made with citric acid, lactic acid, and malic acid showed higher reductions in all three bacteria than ClO₂ made with hydrochloric acid and sodium bisulfate. The 5 ppm ClO₂ solutions produced with organic acids reduced populations of all bacterial strains from 7 log CFU/mL to undetectable level in 3 min, except S. Typhimurium treated by ClO₂ produced with lactic acid. On inoculated Romaine lettuce model, 5 ppm ClO₂ produced with lactic acid and malic acid resulted in the highest reduction of E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes of approximately 1.4, 1.7, and 2.4 log CFU/g, respectively. The antimicrobial efficacy of ClO₂ made with HCl and NaHSO₄ were affected by 0.01% and 0.02% peptone load, respectively. Food-grade organic acids produced aqueous ClO₂ solutions with stronger antimicrobial properties than inorganic acids. The acids alone at the pH of ClO₂ did not show significant bacterial reductions.

Effects of ultrasonic treatment on color, carotenoid content, enzyme activity, rheological properties, and microstructure of pumpkin juice during storage

Freshly squeezed pumpkin juice (Cucurbita moschata D.) was sonicated at various power levels at a constant frequency of 25 kHz and a treatment time of 10 min. Samples were stored in the dark for 0, 4, 8, and 12 days at 4 °C and were subsequently analyzed. The combined effects of power level and storage period on color parameters, carotenoid content, particle size distribution, cloud value, rheological characteristics, and microstructure were investigated. The results showed ultrasonic-treated samples had little effect on carotenoid content, cloud value, particle size distribution, and polydispersity during storage compared to those of the untreated samples. The L^⁎, a^⁎, b^⁎, and C* values decreased significantly during 8-12 days of storage, resulting in a significant increase in ΔE, especially 400 W/10 min-treated samples. Meanwhile, the enzyme activity and rheological properties increased significantly on storage days 8-12. However, the microstructure of all samples did not change significantly during storage. Based on these results, during the storage period, the physical and chemical properties of 400 W/10 min-ultrasonic treated pumpkin juice were retained more than those in the untreated pumpkin juice. Therefore, ultrasonic treatment has broad application prospects in preserving bioactive substances and physicochemical properties and improving the storage life of fresh pumpkin juice.

Zizania latifolia Cell Wall Polysaccharide Metabolism and Changes of Related Enzyme Activities during Postharvest Storage

The metabolism of polysaccharides in the Zizania latifolia cell wall helps maintain the postharvest quality during storage. Fresh Z. latifolia was stored at 4 °C and 25 °C to evaluate the hardness, cell wall polysaccharide composition, cell wall structure, active ingredients, and cell wall metabolism-related enzyme activities. The results showed that hardness declined concomitantly with an increase in water-soluble pectin content during storage, as well as with a decrease in propectin and cellulose contents. Correlation analysis showed that lower activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as polygalacturonase, cellulase, and β-galactosidase in Z. latifolia stored at 4 °C, were associated with lighter fiberization and greater hardness, compared with those stored at 25 °C. Additionally, the results of infrared spectroscopy showed that texture softening may be attributed to a decrease in the degree of esterification of water-soluble polysaccharides at 25 °C compared to that at 4 °C.

Metabolic Effects of Violet Light on Spoilage Bacteria from Fresh-Cut Pakchoi during Postharvest Stage

Pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. Chinensis) is an important vegetable in Asia. Pseudomonas palleroniana is one of the specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) of fresh-cut pakchoi. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes to the endogenous metabolic spectrum of violet light (405 nm) with regard to food spoilage bacteria from fresh-cut pakchoi using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In this study, P. palleroniana samples were treated with violet light at 4 °C, and the maximum dose was 133.63 J/cm². The results revealed that 153 metabolites and 83 pathways significantly changed compared to the control group, which indicated that light treatment may lead to ROS accumulation in cells, inducing oxidative stress and the excessive consumption of ATP. However, the increased content of aromatic amino acids and the decreased anabolism of some amino acids and nucleotides might be a form of self-protection by reducing energy consumption, thus contributing to the improvement of the tolerance of cells to illumination. These results provide new insights into the antibacterial mechanism of P. palleroniana with regard to metabolism.

Effects of ultrasound and gamma irradiation on quality maintenance of fresh Lentinula edodes during cold storage

Microbial infection, senescence and water losses result in serious quality deterioration of postharvest mushrooms. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ultrasound treatment (US), gamma irradiation treatment (GI) and their combination on quality maintenance of fresh Lentinula edodes during storage. The results showed that US + GI was the most effective approach to maintaining the quality of mushrooms. US + GI reduced natural microflora present on L. edodes, such as total number of colonies, molds, yeasts, Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae. Furthermore, US + GI stimulated phenylalanine ammonia lyase, maintained the highest level of total phenolic content (733.63 mg GAE/kg on Day 4), and postponed the occurrence of reduced ascorbic acid (33.7% retention relative to the control), which contributed to strengthening the antioxidant capacity. Additionally, US + GI retarded water mobility and loss. In brief, the US + GI in this study is an effective hurdle technology for preserving the quality of fresh L. edodes during storage.

Ultrasonic treatment suppresses ethylene signaling and prolongs the freshness of spinach

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Ultrasonication revives and prolongs freshness of spinach.

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Ultrasonication induces stomatal closure in spinach leaves.

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Ultrasonication stimulates EBF1/EBF2 expression and suppresses ethylene signaling.

There have been many studies investigating the application of ultrasonic treatment in vegetables and fruits to eliminate surface contaminants including dirt, microbes, and chemicals such as pesticides. Using a jet ultrasonic washer developed by us to wash food materials, we found that ultrasonic treatment prolonged the freshness of spinach. The stomata closed in the ultrasonicated spinach leaves, whereas those in spinach soaked in water remained open during 24-h storage. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of Ethylene-insensitive 3 Binding F-box protein 1 and 2 (EBF1 and EBF2), which inhibit ethylene signaling, was remarkably increased by ultrasonic treatment, suggesting that the suppression of ethylene signaling allowed stomatal closure in response to abscisic acid signals in the ultrasonicated leaves. Although the precise mechanism of the induction of EBF1 and EBF2 expression by ultrasonic treatment needs to be addressed in further studies, our findings suggest that ultrasonic treatment can be applied to revive and prolong the freshness of leaf vegetables, as well as for their cleaning.

Application of Ultrasound Combined with Acetic Acid and Peracetic Acid: Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality of Strawberries

This work evaluated the application of organic acids (acetic and peracetic acid) and ultrasound as alternative sanitization methods for improving the microbiological and physicochemical qualities of strawberries. A reduction of up to 2.48 log CFU/g aerobic mesophiles and between 0.89 and 1.45 log CFU/g coliforms at 35 °C was found. For molds and yeasts, significant differences occurred with different treatments and storage time (p < 0.05). Ultrasound treatments in combination with peracetic acid and acetic acid allowed a decimal reduction in molds and yeasts (p < 0.05). All evaluated treatments promoted a significant reduction in the Escherichia coli count (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy revealed fragmented E. coli cells due to treatment with acetic acid and ultrasound. Storage time significantly affected pH, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids and the ratio of the total titratable acidity to the total soluble solids (p < 0.05). Anthocyanin content did not change with treatment or time and generally averaged 13.47 mg anthocyanin/100 g of strawberries on fresh matter. Mass loss was not significantly affected by the applied treatments (p > 0.05). The combination of ultrasound and peracetic acid may be an alternative to chlorine-based compounds to ensure microbiological safety without causing significant changes in the physicochemical characteristics of strawberries.

Combined effects of ultrasound and aqueous chlorine dioxide treatments on nitrate content during storage and postharvest storage quality of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

The objectives of this study were to optimize the condition of ultrasonic treatment combined with aqueous chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) on nitrate content of spinach by response surface methodology (RSM), and determine the effectiveness of ultrasound (US) and ClO₂ alone and in combination, on spinach postharvest quality during 7 days' storage period. The optimal treatment parameters obtained were ultrasonic power (300 W), ClO₂ concentration (50 ppm), treatment time (4 min). The combined treatments significantly reduced the nitrate content and maintained better storage quality in terms of total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid content compared with the individual treatment or untreated. For Chlorophyll content, the combined treatment was significantly higher than the control and ClO₂ treatment, but lower than ultrasonic treatment. The results demonstrated that US combined with ClO₂ are promising alternatives for the reduction of nitrate content, as well as preserving the quality of stored leafy vegetables.

Application of ultrasonic technology in postharvested fruits and vegetables storage: A review

It has been an important research topic and a serious applicable issue to extend storage time of fruits and vegetables using advanced scientific and effective technology. Among various approaches, ultrasound has been regarded as one of the most pollution-free and effective technical means to significantly improve the preservation of fruits and vegetables. This paper summarizes the application of ultrasonic technology in fruits and vegetables storage in recent years, including removal of pesticide residues and cleaning, sterilization, enzyme inactivation, effect on physico-chemical indexes. Additionally, we also discussed limitations and negative effects of ultrasonic treatment on fruits and vegetables such as damages to tissues and cells. Furthermore, a proper application of ultrasonic technology has been proven to effectively extend the storage period of postharvest fruits and vegetables and maintain the quality. Moreover, the combination of ultrasound and other conventional preservation technologies can further improve the preservation in a coordinate manner and even have a broader application prospect.

Extension of shelf life of semi-dry longan pulp with gaseous chlorine dioxide generating film

A packaging system using gaseous chlorine dioxide generating film (CDGF) in a sealed container was developed to extend the shelf life of semi-dry longan pulp (moisture content 38.8 wt%; a_w0.8). The antimicrobial properties, formation of chloroxyanion residues and effects of CDGF on the quality of semi-dry longan pulp were investigated. CDGF was triggered by the moisture vapor from semi-dry longan pulp in the sealed container and released gaseous ClO₂ into the headspace of the container. The antifungal test showed that CDGF significantly inactivated artificially inoculated molds in semi-dry longan pulp and achieved reductions of over 3 log CFU/g after 28 days storage at room temperature (25 °C). CDGF reduced total aerobic bacterial populations by over 6.4 log CFU/g and maintained these population levels at around 2.0 log CFU/g throughout the 180-day storage period at room temperature. The residual concentrations of chloride, chlorate and perchlorate in longan pulp increased and then decreased during the 180-day storage. Residual chloride levels were maintained at 1.5 mg/g after Day 120 and residual chlorate and perchlorate levels were not detected after Day 120 and Day 180, respectively, in CDGF-treated samples. CDGF treatments reduced total polyphenol content but didn't have any significant impact on the levels of polysaccharides in samples. There were no significant differences between CDGF-treated and control samples in color changes during storage. The content of 5-hydroymethylfurfural (5-HMF) in both samples increased during storage, suggesting that the Maillard reaction occurred. This study demonstrated an effective approach to develop a new antimicrobial packaging system for semi-dry longan pulp.

Efficacy of sweep ultrasound on natural microbiota reduction and quality preservation of Chinese cabbage during storage

In this study, the effect of sweep frequency ultrasound (SFUS), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and their combinations (SFUS + NaOCl) in reducing and inhibiting natural microbiota as well as preserving quality of fresh-cut Chinese cabbage during storage (4 °C and 25 °C) for up to 7 days was investigated. In effect, 40 kHz sweep frequency ultrasound in combination with 100 mg/L sodium hypochlorite resulted in maximum reduction and inhibition of mesophilic counts, yeast and molds and minimum chlorophyll depletion, weight loss and electrolyte leakage. However, colour and textural characteristics deteriorated. The combined treatment suppressed the activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase and manifested its preservative effect after Fourier Transform near-infrared spectroscopy analysis. Synergistic reductions were recorded in most of the combined treatments though largely <1.0 log CFU/g. Specifically, the combined treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced mesophilic counts by an added 2.7 log CFU/g, yeasts and molds by an added 2.0 log CFU/g when compared to the individual treatments. During storage at 4 and 25 °C, washing with SFUS + NaOCl produced Chinese cabbage with lower microbial counts, in comparison with the individual treatments. However, post-treatment storage could not entirely inhibit microbial survival as populations increased during storage even at refrigeration temperature of 4 °C. The results demonstrate that ultrasound and sodium hypochlorite are promising hurdle alternatives for the reduction and inhibition of microorganisms, as well as prolonging the shelf life and retaining the quality characteristics of Chinese cabbage.