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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

THE EFFECT OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS ON MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4304747
Two general types of meats and meat food products were exposed to nuclear explosions. Processed types able to withstand slighily elevated temperatares, and consisting of Smithfield type hams, dried beef, sliced bacon, dry sausage, and lard, were exposed at current ambient temperatares. Mesh and curved chilled meats, consisting of beef rounds, pork loin, leg of lamb, veal ham, loin steaks, bologna, and frankfurters, were exposed under refrigeration maintained with dry ice. With respect to the first type types, exposure at 1100 ft from a shot of approximntely nominal yield induced marked radioactivity in all products except the lard. This appeared to be due to the high salt content resulting from the curing operation. Odor, taste, and appearance were not adversely affected. There was evidence of destruction of riboflavin and of an effect on rancidity development. With respect to the second types, exposure at 1270 ft from a shot with a yield approximately 50% greater than nominal did induce radioactivity but at a lower level than in the high salt processed products. Visual and organoleptic evaluation of the perishable meats indicated that the exposed samples did not differ greatly from the unexposed in acceptability and nutritive quality. Some slight adverse effects were noted on texture and flavor. These appeared to be enhanced by cooking. (auth)
Research Organization:
Food and Drug Administration, Washington, D.C.; Federal Civil Defense Administration, Battle Creek, Mich.
NSA Number:
NSA-12-007097
OSTI ID:
4304747
Report Number(s):
WT-1216
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English