The effects of UV-C radiation doses (5, 10 and 20 kJ/m 2 ) and gaseous ozone doses (1, 2 and 5 ppm) on microbial growth and quality parameters of fresh-cut rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa) leaves throughout 12 days at 5C were investigated. As control, washing with water was used. Sensory attributes (general appearance, decay, color and odor), headspace gas composition, some chemical characteristics (chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids) and microbial counts throughout shelf-life were studied. Fresh-cut rocket was not adversely affected by the UV-C and ozone treatment, maintaining the sensory quality during cold storage. The 20 kJ UV-C/m 2 treatment was found to be better than the chlorine and gaseous ozone treatments, in terms of reducing the microbial load in fresh-cut rocket during 8 days of storage at 5C. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe information provided in this study shows that the treatment with UV-C radiation and gaseous ozone treatment represent a novel technology that could be useful to the industry, allowing surface decontamination of fresh-cut rocket to be achieved while maintaining their overall quality. Its applications can easily be applied in industry.

The effects of UV-C pretreatments (10, 20 and 30 kJ/m 2 ), compared with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), on sensory change, microbial and bioactive profile of minimally processed rocket leaves throughout 12 days at 5C were investigated. Nonirradiated samples were used as controls. All UV-C treatments reduced the natural microflora growth. In relation to sensory quality, all treatments resulted in a shelf life of 8 days. Total antioxidant activity and total phenol content decreased after 8 days for all treatments. Generally, UV-C slightly reduced the initial total chlorophyll content; however, during storage, its degradation was similar to that of the control. It is concluded that UV-C pretreatment could be useful to the industry to reduce the natural microflora growth, keeping the overall quality without affecting the bioactive compound profile of fresh rocket leaves during 8 days of storage at 5C. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe information provided in this study shows that the use of UV-C radiation could be a useful tool for the food industry for maintaining the overall quality and safety of fresh rocket leaves, while minimizing water consumption and wastewater discharge rates.

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In this study, treatments with UV-C radiation (10, 20 and 30 kJ/m2) and gaseous ozone (1, 5 and 10 mg/L) were applied to minimally processed rocket (Eruca sativa) leaves to investigate their effects on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacityduring12 days of storage at 5 ºC.As control, water washing was used. Ascorbic acid content, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids content throughout shelf-life were studied. The results showed that UV-C and ozone treatments had no adverse effects on ascorbic acid content, phenolic compound and antioxidant capacity of minimally processed rocket leaves. Treatments with UV-C delayed the degradation of total chlorophyll content throughout shelf-life, while the treatments with O3 did not affect this parameter. In conclusion, the UV-C and ozone treatments applied maintain the bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity content of minimally processed rocket leaves during 12 days of storage at 5 ºC.