Report in relation to the use of an antimicrobial aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide,acetic acid and peroxyacetic acid as a processing aid on citrus fruits and peppers, and their wash water

The company Productos Citrosol S.A. located in Potríes (Valencia), has requested a safety assessment on the use of an antimicrobial aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide (23 %), acetic acid (10 %) and peroxyacetic acid (5 %) as a processing aid on citrus fruits and peppers when entering processing plants, as well as the wash water. The dose requested is 0.6 % and all components (active substances and stabilizers) of the proposed processing aid are allowed or present in human food, and none of them has an ADI value. The intended use is disinfectant for citrus fruits and peppers when entering processing plants in order to minimise contamination and recontamination during this first step of the processing chain. The disinfection of wash water allows its reuse in consecutive washings of fruits and vegetables through a recirculating water system, keeping wash water in adequate conditions and reducing water consumption. (....) The Scientific Committee concludes that, based on the information submitted by the applicant, and on the proposed dose and conditions, the use of the processing aid evaluated does not pose a risk to the health of consumers.ES; en, pfefsa@msssi.e