An economic analysis of a multi-commodity fruit and vegetable irradiator

Conference · Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:5673186

Brown, M D; Eakin, D E; Young, J K; Tingey, G L

Although irradiation of foods has been studied since the late 1940's and irradiation of grains and potatoes has been approved for years, only recently has the Food and Drug Administration approved irradiation of pork, fresh fruits and vegetables at doses up to 100 krad for commercial sale. A key element in commercializing irradiation technology by the food processing industry is economic viability. This paper presents an economic analysis for a multi-commodity fruit and vegetable irradiator processing apples, cherries, pears, asparagus, onions, and potatoes. Dose, throughput, and the schedule were examined. Design information and capital and operating costs for various sizes of irradiators are presented. The economics look promising, with typical costs in larger facilities in the range of a few cents per pound of product. 12 refs., 7 tabs.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 5673186
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-15112; CONF-870822-8; ON: DE88003425; TRN: 88-009026
• Resource Relation: Conference: American Institute of Chemical Engineers summer national meeting, Minneapolis, MN, USA, 16 Aug 1987; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
FOOD
RADIOPRESERVATION
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
COST
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FOOD PROCESSING
FRUITS
IRRADIATION
IRRADIATION DEVICES
IRRADIATION PLANTS
MARKET
ECONOMICS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PRESERVATION
PROCESSING
553004* - Agriculture & Food Technology- Food Protection & Preservation- (1987-)