Methods are provided for storing and preserving a cut or whole berry product, preferably so as to extend shelf life of the same. In one optional method, the berry product is placed in a product containing space of a storage container atop a platform of a support structure. The storage container includes an internal compartment having the product containing space. The support structure defines the platform for supporting the berry product. The internal compartment further includes a reservoir, configured to retain liquid, below the platform. The platform and/or support structure are configured to direct liquid exuded from the berry product to the reservoir. Optionally, the reservoir comprises an absorbent material for absorbing liquid in the reservoir

A method for treating a perishable product including determining a desired product treatment outcome selected from sanitation, protection, preservation, or enhancement of the perishable product; directly applying a substance to the surface of the perishable product after harvesting using a carrier; wet or dry washing the perishable product; and packaging the perishable product. A system for treating a perishable product with a substance treatment including one or more devices for directed substance application to a surface of the perishable products prior to final packaging of the perishable product using a carrier; and wherein the one or more devices is an electrostatically charging device or a nebulizer Embodiments of the invention enhance the efficacy of sanitizers and other functional substances for increasing the quality, safety, and overall shelf life of perishable products through improved coating and distribution of the sanitizers and functional substances on the surface of perishable product.

Processes and methods for producing dried fruit which has been treated with sulphur dioxide. Such processes and methods are particularly adapted for producing golden raisins which have relatively low concentrations of sulphur dioxide. To produce golden raisins, fresh sultana grapes are subjected to sulphur dioxide fumigation before undergoing a series of washing and rinsing steps which may include a cold water bath, a hot lye bath, and cold water sprays before being placed into drying tunnels. After drying, golden raisins may be undergo an additional treatment of sulphur dioxide.

A method of treatment with at least one biocidal and/or safener product with a boiling temperature between 60 and 280° C., wherein the method comprises a treatment step duration greater than or equal to 3 days, wherein the treatment step comprises at least one injection phase of a duration greater than or equal to 3 days during which a liquid containing the, or each, product is evaporated and injected inside an enclosure, wherein the liquid is evaporated and injected with a period of less than or equal to two days during the injection phase, wherein the liquid is evaporated at a temperature below 50° C.

A method of treatment with at least one biocidal and/or safener product with a boiling temperature between 60 and 280° C., wherein the method comprises a treatment step duration greater than or equal to 3 days, wherein the treatment step comprises at least one injection phase of a duration greater than or equal to 3 days during which a liquid containing the, or each, product is evaporated and injected inside an enclosure, wherein the liquid is evaporated and injected with a period of less than or equal to two days during the injection phase, wherein the liquid is evaporated at a temperature below 50° C.

A method is described for making a treated fruit having improved flavor, texture, and/or yield over thermally pasteurized fruit. The method includes providing a packaged premix that includes fruit with pectin methylesterase, calcium, and sugar, tempering the premix to produce tempered fruit, then treating the tempered fruit with high pressure pasteurization.

A method is described for making a treated fruit having improved flavor, texture, and/or yield over thermally pasteurized fruit. The method includes providing a packaged premix that includes fruit with pectin methylesterase, calcium, and sugar, tempering the premix to produce tempered fruit, then treating the tempered fruit with high pressure pasteurization.

A produce treatment method to mitigate latent infections, such as fungal infections, and to delay ripening in produce is described. The produce treatment method includes providing an antimicrobial agent to an enclosure comprising a plurality of produce items, and contacting the plurality of produce items with the antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent is in gaseous form and is selected to deactivate latent microbes in the plurality of produce items.

A produce treatment method to mitigate latent infections, such as fungal infections, and to delay ripening in produce is described. The produce treatment method includes providing an antimicrobial agent to an enclosure comprising a plurality of produce items, and contacting the plurality of produce items with the antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent is in gaseous form and is selected to deactivate latent microbes in the plurality of produce items.

Disclosed is system for inactivating bacteria and/or reducing microbial count on product, in particular a food product, susceptible to microbial presence, said system comprising a processing chamber which is operably connected to i) a means for generating UV-C light, ii) a means for generating hydrogen peroxide vapor and/or means for generating ozone, and iii) a heat source. Also disclosed is a method for inactivating bacteria and/or reducing microbial count on a product, in particular food product, which is susceptible to microbial presence, said method comprising subjecting said product in a processing chamber to exposure with ultraviolet C (UV-C) light and hydrogen peroxide vapor and/or ozone, and heat, for a processing time of between 5-120 seconds, wherein the hydrogen peroxide vapor is present at up to 12% v/v solution, and the temperature inside the processing chamber is maintained between about 22° C. and 60° C.