Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to an apparatus and a method for cleaning, drying and sterilizing a food product, and more specifically a perishable food product such as tomatoes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a roller conveyor for sequentially conveying the food products through a washing station, a drying station and a sterilization station The sterilization station makes use of UV light for destroying micro-organisms that may be found on the surface of the food product, the food products being caused to rotate while traveling through the sterilization station.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a biodegradable package for packaging perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables. More specifically, the present invention relates to a package comprising a container for receiving the food product therein, a porous membrane for closing the container while allowing gas to circulate inside and outside the container and a perforated lid for protecting the porous membrane and allowing stockpiling on numerous packages onto one another.