The present document discloses an apparatus for inactivating bacteria and / or reducing the microbial count in a food product or container thereof, which is susceptible to microbial presence on the surface or subsurface, the apparatus comprising a sealable chamber which is operably connected therein. ) an ozone generator for ozone gas generation and ii) an evacuation fan to force ozone gas movement through the sealable chamber. Also disclosed is a method for inactivating bacteria and / or reducing the microbial count in a food product or container thereof. which is susceptible to microbial presence on the surface and subsurface, said method comprising: a) providing a plurality of food products or a sealable chamber that is operably connected； ai) an ozone generator for generating ozone gas； and ii) an evacuation fan for forcing the movement of ozone gas vertically through the sealable chamber； b) creating condensation on the surface of the food product or container by adjusting the moisture in the sealable chamber to achieve a predetermined humidity； c) operating the ozone generator and the evacuation fan to generate a predetermined exhaust air velocity to pass ozone gas generated by the ozone generator through the sealable chamber for a predetermined period of residence time； and d) expulsion of ozone gas from the sealable chamber. The present invention further provides a method for reducing a level of bacteria, yeast, fungus and mildew in or on a container.o presente documento revela um aparelho para inativação de bactérias e/ou redução da contagem microbiana em um produto alimentício ou um recipiente para o mesmo, que é suscetível à presença microbiana na superfície ou subsuperfície, o aparelho compreendendo uma câmara vedável que é operativamente conectada a i) um gerador de ozônio para geração de gás ozônio e ii) uma ventoinha de evacuação para forçar movimento do gás ozônio através da câmara vedável. também é revelado um método para inativação
