Abstract
Different food packaging materials (LDPE, HDPEcolorless, PET and LDPEblue) were packaged with dates, and irradiated with γ-rays at 0.0, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 kGy. Physical, chemical analysis of Polyethylene low density LDPEblue layer and colorless–were used. Besides studying the changes of stored dates quality, which extend to nine months under room temperature (23-25°C, 70-75% RH%) and freezing (-3°C), no significant effects were observed in LDPE, as in the permeability of oxygen, carbon dioxide transmission rate and water vapor, or migration tests up to 20.0 kGy; whereas the differences were significant in the mechanical characters. Detection of free radicals using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) proved presence of free radicals at high dose (20.0 kGy), then disappeared after three weeks. GC-MS analysis of polymers showed produce 18 compounds after irradiation processes, which are volatile or non–volatile compounds at the applied doses. The major constituent was di-n-butylphthalate, which was affected by irradiation. Its concentration was 98.33 % (control), and then decreased to 95.91%, 72.57% by 5.0 and 20.0 kGy, respectively. One of the Radiolytic Products (RPs) are more toxic as bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (0.59%), as mentioned by WHO. Irradiation did not cause significant changes in date’s quality, except the color; only more darkening in color during long storage was observed at room temperature, light color resulted at frozen storage. γ-rays eliminated insects completely and decreased the microbiological contamination in irradiated samples.
Highlights
The packaging materials in contact with the food must be analyzed before using, in order to investigate the potential migrants that could be transferred from the material to the food [1]
Different packaging materials are recommended for food irradiation by some authorities, from physical view, not from human health side
The changes of stored dates quality which extend to nine months under room temperature (23-25°C, 70-75% RH%) and freezing (-3°C); irradiation did not cause significant changes in dates quality, except the color; only more darkening in color during long storage, especially at room temperature where best color resulted with frozen fruits. γ-rays eliminated insects completely and decreased the microbiological contamination in irradiated samples
Summary
The packaging materials in contact with the food must be analyzed before using, in order to investigate the potential migrants that could be transferred from the material to the food [1]. A recently approved proposal by the Council of Europe requires the control and analysis of a series of contaminants, such as heavy metals, plasticizers, aromatic amines, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, benzophenone, Diisopropylnaphthalenes (DiPN’s), Fluorescent Whitening Agents (FWA), Pentachlorophenol (PCP), and residual solvents, among others [2]. Some of these studies have been carried out, but mostly depend on using food stimulants; for instances, solvents at different factors, as temperatures and pH values [3,4,5]. The author noted that in contrast to the base polymers, the adjutants identified in the survey were not currently listed in 21 CFR 179.45 [8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
