Effect of Ultraviolet-C and Organic Acid Treatment on Fungi Isolated from High Carbohydrate Confectionery

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify fungi that degrade product value during the storage and distribution of confectionery products, and to investigate the antifungal effect of organic acid and UV-C treatments on high carbohydrate products. Fungi isolated from spoiled high carbohydrate confectionery were identified as Wallemia sp., Aspergillus sp-1 and Aspergillus sp-2 depending on homologies with ITS1 and ITS4 sequences. The isolated fungi were assayed for antifungal activity by treatment with acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid or maleic acid. As a result, it was confirmed that the growth of Wallemia sp. and Aspergillus sp-2 was suppressed by treatment with 0.2 M and 0.35 M acetic acid, respectively. In addition, as a result of confirming the antifungal effect according to the UV-C irradiation time, the growth inhibitory effects of Wallemia sp. and Aspergillus sp-2 were shown in irradiation for 30 min and the growth inhibitory effect of Aspergillus sp-1 was shown in irradiation for 40 min. The result of the sensory evaluation of the untreated and 0.35 M acetic acid-treated high carbohydrate confectionery, there were not significant changes in taste, color, abnormal taste, hardness and texture, but there were significant differences in sour taste and smell. As a result of the above study, the effect of inhibiting fungi growth on the product by treatment with organic acid and UV-C irradiation was confirmed, and it is expected to be used in confectionery that were concerned about the occurrence of fungi in the distribution process.