Abstract: Embodiments herein include a method for disposing a composition on a food product. The method can include generating an activated gas by introducing a working gas into a plasma chamber and generating nonthermal plasma in the plasma chamber, where the working gas and the nonthermal plasma interact to form an activated gas. The method can include supplying the activated gas to a food treatment zone. Food products can be conveyed through the food treatment zone such that activated gas contacts a surface of the food products. Food products can be conveyed through an application region and a composition is deposited on the surface of the food product. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include surface sterilization systems and methods for sterilizing packaged food items. In an embodiment, a surface sterilization system is included. The system can have a conveying mechanism configured to move discrete food packages, the food packages having opposed top and bottom surfaces, opposed right and left surfaces, and opposed front and back surfaces. The system can further include a plurality of dielectric discharge electrodes configured to come into sliding contact with the discrete food packages as they are moved by the conveying mechanism. The system can further include an electrical current source in electrical communication with the plurality of dielectric discharge electrodes, the electrical current source delivering a current to the plurality of electrodes sufficient to generate a plasma inside of the discrete food packages. Other embodiments are also included herein.