Methods for reducing, and in some cases eliminating, fluorescence in pulp and paper, as well as the resulting articles, are provided. The methods destroy fluorescent activity of agents (e.g., whitening agents) which may be present in the pulp during processing. The methods are particularly applicable to recycling processes that use paper that includes fluorescent whitening agents. The methods may be used to produce recycled pulp and paper that, for example, may be suitably used in food grade applications which require no, or minimal, amount of fluorescence. In some cases, the methods also advantageously enable production of recycled pulp and paper that has reduced amounts of phosphorescence.