Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seed is one of the widely used spices because of its distinct flavour, aroma, medicinal and therapeutic properties. Cumin seeds are reported to contaminate with toxigenic molds and bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, C. perfringens and B. cereus, potentially creating a public health risk. The importance of this spice makes necessary the use of a suitable decontamination process that does not change in the spice’s quality. Cold atmospheric plasma has potential in the food manufacturing sector to decontaminate microorganisms, thereby improving food safety without loss of physicochemical or sensory properties. The efficacy of the Dielectric Barrier Discharge Atmospheric Cold Plasma (DBD-ACP) for surface decontamination of cumin seeds was evaluated. Cumin seeds spiked with known pathogens were exposed to different plasma levels for different exposure time. Bacterial log reduction was evaluated by comparing it with the control sample. Using the DBD-ACP system around 2 to 3 log reduction (CFU/g) has been achieved after 24 min exposure at 5 kV.

Download this article as