A Review on Cold Plasma Technology for Pesticide-Free Food Safety: Mechanisms, Efficiency, and Future Perspectives

Pesticides are essential in modern agriculture but often leave harmful residues on food, raising considerable health and environmental concerns. Cold plasma technology, initially developed for applications in the polymer and electronics industries, has emerged as an innovative non-thermal method with promising implications for enhancing food safety. Cold plasma, a quasi-neutral ionized gas, is generated under low-pressure conditions, creating a range of reactive species capable of degrading pesticide residues. Recent advancements now allow cold plasma to be produced at atmospheric pressure, expanding its potential applications and spurring extensive research into its efficacy. This technology offers a pesticide-free approach that not only prioritizes human health but also supports eco-friendly practices in line with sustainable agriculture principles. Cold plasma stands to significantly impact food safety by fostering healthier ecosystems and promoting a more balanced relationship between agriculture and nature. This review examines the effectiveness of cold plasma technology as a transformative tool for achieving pesticide-free food safety, detailing its mechanisms, efficacy, and future potential in reducing pesticide residues in agricultural products.