Harvesters Choice contains hypochlorous acid (HOCl) which disinfects fruits and vegetables through several mechanisms:
1. How it works:
- Penetrates and disrupts cell membranes of harmful microorganisms
- Oxidizes critical cellular components of pathogens
- Denatures proteins in bacteria and viruses
- Creates an unfavorable environment for pathogen survival
- Works through direct contact with surfaces
2. What it eliminates:
- Bacteria including:
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- Staphylococcus
- Viruses including:
- Norovirus
- Hepatitis A
- Common cold viruses
- Fungi and molds
- Pesticide residues
- Surface contaminants
3. Process of disinfection:
- Forms a weak acid in water (pH around 5.5-6.5)
- HOCl molecules penetrate pathogen cell walls
- Oxidative damage occurs inside the pathogen
- Cell functions are disrupted
- Microorganism dies or becomes inactive
4. Effectiveness factors:
- Concentration (typically 100-200 ppm for produce)
- Contact time (usually 1-2 minutes)
- Surface coverage
- Cleanliness of produce (pre-rinse helps)
- Water quality used for solution
5. Safety aspects:
- Naturally produced by human immune system
- Non-toxic at recommended concentrations
- No harmful byproducts
- Safe for regular consumption
- No rinse required after treatment
