tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10911751.post8595291277564061010..comments2024-03-07T02:00:01.582-05:00Comments on NEI Nuclear Notes: How Does Food Irradiation Work?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10911751.post-35937458304398667902008-08-27T17:27:00.000-04:002008-08-27T17:27:00.000-04:00The use of radiation in food processing is by no m...The use of radiation in food processing is by no means new. Meats, fish, fruits and vegetables have been preserved for centuries by the sun’s energy. Lately, infrared and microwave radiation has been added to the list of radiant energies in food processing.<BR/><BR/>While the term irradiation pertains to all forms of treating products with ionizing radiation, specific types of radiation treatments depend on the objective and the item being processed<BR/><BR/><B>Radurization</B> is the process of pasteurization by the use of radiation. It primarily used to treat foods that have a high moisture content and a high pH. The microbes that are targeted are mainly spoilage organisms. Meat and fish are the foods for which this process is mainly used. For dryer, acidic foods, yeasts and molds can be denatured. The treatment dose for radurization is approximately 1 kGy<BR/><BR/><BR/>The process of <B>radicidation</B> is used to eliminate pathogens and insect pests. This process kills cells only, meaning that it will not kill spores. Also, certain radiation-resistant vegetative cells can survive, including some strains of the bacterium Salmonella which have been found to be radiation-resistant. The dose for radicidation ranges from 2.5 - 5.0 kGy. <BR/><BR/>These first two require that the food be refrigerated post-treatment. <BR/><BR/><B>Radappertization</B> involves treating the product to levels of radiation of approximately 30 kGy. This high level of radiation also destroys spores from organisms such as Clostridium botulinum, Such levels are generally deemed sufficient for clinical sterility, but not usually employed on food items. <BR/><BR/>It is this last level where chemical changes occur, which can impact flavor and appearance, and where 'free radicals' can be said to form.<BR/><BR/>Consequently, based on recommendations of the International Consultative Group on Food Irradiation that was formed by the joint FAO/IAEA division many national legislation limit applicable doses to 10kGy for many food items.<BR/><BR/>However note that in the Republic of South Africa precooked, shelf-stable meat products irradiated at 45 kGy are allowed for retail sale. These have been available for years with no reports of adverse effects to consumers.<BR/><BR/>As is usual in nuclear energy matters the critics want everyone to believe that this technology hasn't developed any further from where it began in the 1950's in military food research programs and problems and issues that were seen then have not been eliminated.<BR/><BR/>To date, food irradiation has been studied more than any other food process. All evidence gathered from scientific and technical research leads to the conclusion that food irradiation is a safe, beneficial and practical process.DV8 2XLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14595060432772287143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10911751.post-83909738914100028612008-08-27T16:23:00.000-04:002008-08-27T16:23:00.000-04:00Glad the FDA finally got around to approving leafy...Glad the FDA finally got around to approving leafy vegetables. Now what about the peppers? <BR/><BR/>Your readers may find a post I wrote about food irradiation in June 2008 informative.<BR/><BR/>Food Irradiation Can Save Lives and Reduce Medical Costs<BR/>http://kellercitylimits.com/?p=559Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com