The present invention relates to a method and system for reducing microbial burden
on a food product. The method includes contacting the food product with an antimicrobial
agent and irradiating the food product. The system includes an applicator adapted
and configured for contacting a food product with an antimicrobial agent and an
irradiator adapted and configured for irradiating a food product. The antimicrobial
agent can be a peroxycarboxylic acid.