Conventional methods for killing microorganisms in food often lead to quality issues, low consumer acceptance, environmental harm, and health risks; UV light technology offers a nonthermal alternative.
This review focuses on UV-LEDs as a promising replacement for traditional UV lamps, detailing their mechanisms of action and how combining different types can enhance their effectiveness against microbes.
UVC-LEDs are highlighted for their strong antimicrobial properties and ability to break down micropollutants, suggesting that UV-LED systems could be further developed for improved food and water safety and energy efficiency.