Methods and compositions for treating items to control microorganisms are provided. The method treats produce by contacting the surface of the item with an aqueous composition comprising i) an organic peracid of the formula RC(O)OOH wherein R is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or s-propyl ii) a 2-hydroxy organic acid selected from tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, and lactic acid and iii) water wherein the aqueous composition has a pH from 2.5 to 6.0.