Measurement of Residual Hydrogen Peroxide in Preformed Food Cartons Decontaminated with Hydrogen Peroxide and Ultraviolet Irradiation

Abstract

A luminometric method was used to determine the levels of residual hydrogen peroxide present in preformed food packaging cartons after a decontamination process using sterile distilled water or 0.1, 1.0 or 30% (wt/vol) hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet (UV-C, 254 nm) irradiation. The reduction of post-process peroxide levels in the cartons by irradiation or hot air was assessed. A residual hydrogen peroxide level of approx. 100 ppb could be obtained by spraying 0.2 ml of 0.1% hydrogen peroxide into the carton. Treatment with 1% hydrogen peroxide, with or without UV-C irradiation, gave residual levels approximately tenfold higher. The level was not reduced by UV-C irradiation but could be reduced by blowing hot air into the carton. 30% hydrogen peroxide sprayed into cartons could not be reduced by heat to levels below 100 ppb. Extremely low levels of residual hydrogen peroxide were detected when water was sprayed into cartons, both with or without UV-C irradiation.