article_snippet: Depending on how long fruit and vegetables were exposed to the spray of nanoparticles, lab tests showed that between 80 and 98 per cent of bacteria were destroyed.
article_snippet: An SEM image of E. coli is shown .
article_snippet: To test the efficiency of process, three strains of bacteria known to cause illness - E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria - were applied to tomatoes and stainless steel surfaces.
article_snippet: Tomatoes were then sprayed with nanoparticles in an enclosed chamber for between 30 and 45 minutes, while the steel samples were exposed for 15 to 45 minutes.
article_snippet: Scientists tested Scientists technique on tomatoes (stock picture shown)
article_snippet: Depending on how long fruit and vegetables were exposed to the spray of nanoparticles, lab tests showed that between 80 and 98 per cent of bacteria were destroyed.
article_snippet: the study added: ‘The results presented here indicate that this novel, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly intervention method holds potential for development and application in the food industry, as a “green” alternative to existing disinfection methods.
article_snippet: However, it could be years before it can be used to treat produce sold in supermarkets because current rules stipulate that treatments must kill 99.999 per cent of bacteria.
highlights_snippet: Sprayed onto fruit and vegetables, Experts  can kill up to 98% of bacteria .
  
highlights_snippet: E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria were tested in the experiment on tomatoes .
  
highlights_snippet: E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria could one day replace current ways of disinfecting food .