FOOD IRRADIATION :)

FOOD IRRADIATION

By: Palwinder, Kaarina, AmanuelCHEM & BIOSCIENCES TECHNOLOGY RED RIVER COLLEGE WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

WHAT IS FOOD IRRADIATION?

Food irradiation is a cold, non-chemical process that exposes food to ionizing radiation that can penetrate food to kill, or prevent reproduction of microorganisms, insects and pests.

Insects require a lot less irradiation than bacteria and viruses.

Many different types of food preservation alter the taste and appearance of food.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF FOOD IS IRRADIATED?

All irradiated food must be labelled.

WHY SHOULD WE IRRADIATE FOODS?

To decrease the growing food-borne illness rate.

The control of ripening, sprouting and insect damage.

Along with other preserving technologies there are advantages and disadvantages.

ADVANTAGES OF IRRADIATION OF FOOD

PATHOGEN REDUCTION

Generate short-lived and transient radicals (e.g. the hydroxyl radical, the hydrogen atom and solvated electrons).

That in turn damages the bonds in the DNA molecules, causing disruption in the genetic makeup of microbes beyond its ability to repair.

The target organism ceases all the processes of maturation and reproduction.

SHELF LIFE EXTENSION

Low doses of radiation (up to 1 kGy) can prolong the shelf-life of many fruits and vegetables.

For example: Irradiating strawberries extends their refrigerated shelf-life to up to three weeks without decay or shrinkage, versus three to five days for untreated berries.

Moreover irradiation also causes delay in sprouting and ripeningadding to shelf-life.

INSECT DISINFESTATION

Irradiation of spices, herbs, and dry vegetable seasonings.

It is an alternative to the use of chemicals or fumigants, such as ethylene oxide and methyl bromide.

Moreover unlike chemicals, irradiation does not leave any residuals that can lead toreinfestation.

STERLIZATION  Irradiation can also be used to sterilize food, which

can then be stored for years without refrigeration. Sterilized food are used in hospitals for patients with

severely impaired immune systems, such as patients with AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.

Did you know?National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts eat meat that has been sterilized by irradiation to avoid getting foodborne illnesses when they fly in space.

IRRADIATION OF MEAT AND POULTRY

Treating raw meat and poultry at slaughter plant with high doses of irradiation can cause elimination of E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.

Irradiation of animal feeds could also prevent the spread of Salmonella and other pathogens to livestock through feeds.

PRESERVATION

Unlike canning using irradiation to preserve foods requires no additional liquid, nor does it cause the loss of natural juices.

Destruction of microbes or any other living cells in food makes it spoilage and decomposition free.

DISADVANTAGES OF FOOD IRRADIATION

Irradiated foods may form chemical products called “radiolytic products”

Irradiation cannot be used with all foods. It can causes undesirable flavor and texture changes

Food irradiation can destroy bacterial spores but is not effective against viruses

Unknown long-term effects on human health

Increased consumer cost- Irradiated meats cost approximately 3 to 5 cents more a pound than non-irradiated meat

Prices of irradiated foods are expected to decrease

Food irradiation reduces the nutritional content of foods

IN CONCLUSION

Food irradiation can help decrease the recent increases in food-borne illnesses regardless of the prices, and possible side effects

CITATIONS http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/aamu/Alysia/Irr0139.htm

http://www.mercola.com/article/irradiated/irradiated_research.htm

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/irradiation/

http://www.sustainabletable.org/728/food-irradiation

http://www.cna.ca/nuclear_facts/food_irradiation/

http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/factsheet/food-irradiation-and-vitamin-loss/

http://www.sustainable-city.org/articles/irradiat.htm

http://rense.com/general81/foodr.htm

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/food-irradiation----a-gift-horse-178326491.html

http://uw-food-irradiation.engr.wisc.edu/Facts.html

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Food_irradiation