['The efficacy of a commercial seed washer and 1 and 3% peroxyacetic acid or 20 000 ppm calcium hypochlorite for reducing Salmonella on alfalfa seeds was investigated.', 'Alfalfa seeds were inoculated with Salmonella Stanley to achieve c. 5 log CFU g(-1). Seeds were then treated with 1 or 3% peroxyacetic acid or 20 000 ppm calcium hypochlorite for 15 min in a commercial seed washer that uses air to enhance contact of the sanitizer with the seed. Experiments were also conducted using industry and laboratory methods. An c. 1-log reduction in number of Salm. Stanley was demonstrated regardless of the chemical treatment or method of treatment. Although this 1-log reduction was significant (P < 0.05), differences among the treatments were not significant. Treating the seed with 1 and 3% peroxyacetic acid resulted in similar Salm. Stanley reductions of 1.77 and 1.34 log, respectively, not being statistically significant (P > 0.05).'] Is reduction of Salmonella on alfalfa seeds using peroxyacetic acid and a commercial seed washer as effective as treatment with 20 000 ppm of Ca ( OCl ) 2?