CURRENT STATUS OF APPLICATIONS IN THE PASTEURIZATION OF STERILIZATION OF FOODS BY IONIZING RADIATIONS
A comprehensive research and development program on radiation preservation of foods has revealed some products having potential for early commercialization. Radiation sterilization of some meats, especially beef, has been somewhat disappointing. Other items such as chicken, fish, and pork products show promise as completely sterile products. Surveys of the food industry have been made on these items but lack of a competitive position. radiation processing costs higher than thermal processing, and lack of Food & Drug clearance at this time have held up an immediate commercial advance in this area. Radiopasteurization currently, however, offers raore promise since effect on quality (flavor, texture. and color) is not encountered and processing cost now approaches that of conventional processing methods. Extension of shelf life, by radiopasteurization of fish, chicken, pork, and beef, is ready for industry- wide exploitation when Food & Drug clearance is provided. Elimination of parasites in meat by very-low dose treatment such as trichina in perk and tapeworm in beef has current interest in industry and may be the first industrial application. The wholesomeness clearance studies are progressing successfully with no evidence that would indicate any toxicity prevailing from eating irradiated foods in tests on animals and man. The ultimate development of " ionizing radiation centers" will advance radiation applications in the food industry since appraisal of performance and costs can be more satisfactorily made than in laboratory projects. Reduction in costs of gamma radiation sources should also hold much promise for a preferential competitive position for low- dose radiation treatment of meats, fruits, and vegetables. The unique opportunities afforded by radiation processing of foods in underdeveloped countries for reduction in food spoilage and waste and elimination of food poisoning are of current and immediate importance. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Curtiss-Wright Corp., Princeton, N.J.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-14-025823
- OSTI ID:
- 4127260
- Journal Information:
- Texas Eng. Expt. Sta. Misc. Publ., Vol. Vol: E 72-60; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-60
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
PRESERVATION OF FOOD BY LOW-DOSE IONIZING ENERGY
Microbial pathogens in raw pork, chicken, and beef: benefit estimates for control using irradiation