Research progress on the application of different preservation methods for controlling fungi and toxins in fruit and vegetable

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables are susceptible to fungal infections during picking, transportation, storage and processing, which have a high potential to produce toxins. Fungi and toxins can cause acute or chronic poisoning after entering the body. In the field of fruit and vegetable preservation, technologies such as temperature control, modified atmosphere, irradiation, application of natural or chemical preservatives, and edible films are commonly used. In practical applications, according to the types, physiological differences and actual needs of fruits and vegetables, suitable preservation methods can be selected to achieve the effect of preservation and control of fungi and toxins. The starting point of fresh-keeping technology is to delay post-harvest senescence of fruits and vegetables, inhibit the respiratory intensity, and control the reproduction of microorganisms, which is important to control the reproduction of fungi and the production of toxins. From the three directions of physical, chemical and biological means, the article analyses and explores the effects of different external factors on the production of toxins and the effects of different preservation techniques on fungal growth and toxin production in fruits and vegetables, in order to provide new ideas for the preservation of fruits and vegetables and the control of harmful substances in food.

Keywords:

• Food safety
• fruit
• fungi
• preservation methods
• toxins

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31871718) and Science and Technology Innovation Development Project in Yantai (No. 2021XDHZ080).