Application Of Irradiation Technology Research Articles

Food Irradiation - An Effective Technology for Food Safety and Security

This review will look at the irradiation-based food preservation method. A country’s ability to successfully adopt new technologies hinges on the availability of a suitable infrastructure. Irradiation has a low operating cost and utilizes minimal energy, but it requires significant capital investments and a minimum output volume to be economical. Over a specific threshold concentration, off tastes might develop and organoleptic changes can occur. At low quantities, however, not all pathogens and their poisons will be eliminated. Radiation therapy can be difficult to standardize because the results vary. How effectively the therapy works depends on several factors, including the commodity and cultivar, radiation dose, level of maturity, physiological status, temperature and environment before and after treatment, pre-and post-harvest treatments, and the sensitivity of the microorganisms to be controlled. Tolerance varies with the maturity level. Depending on public perception, regulatory actions, economics, and logistics associated with specific conditions, irradiation as a method of reducing foodborne diseases will be used. Not all foods can be irradiated in all situations due to technological and financial restrictions. Irradiation cannot indefinitely extend the shelf life of fresh food because the enzymes in foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, shellfish, meat, and poultry are still active and resistant to even high-dose radiation. If foods are exposed to too much radiation, they may lose flavor, especially if they are high in fat. Irradiated grains and legumes must be packaged carefully to prevent insect infestations because irradiation does not leave behind any harmful residue that would deter insects. Irradiation produces very little chemical changes in food, and the changes are similar to those by other preservation methods like heat. The application of irradiation technology will benefit farmers whose post-harvest grain lost value as a result of food spoilage, consumers who experience health problems as a result of virus exposure, exporters of such cereals, and ultimately the government, which gains economically from the hard cash generated. It will also benefit firms that package food, extension agents, technical assistants, and researchers. Radiation processing of food has been approved by various international statutory bodies and organizations to ensure ‘Food Security & Safety’, and overcome ‘Technical barrier to International Trade’ and currently is being practiced in more than 60 countries worldwide.

FT-IR spectral features of DNA as markers for the detection of liver preservation using irradiation

Food preservation, inhibition of foodborne-pathogenic microorganisms, as well as prolonging the shelf life of food products are all achieved through the application of irradiation technology in food preservation. In terms of food safety and for strengthening worldwide trade of irradiated foods, the presence of a trustworthy method for identification of irradiated foodstuff is currently the focus of attention. Since DNA has a documented high sensitivity to ionizing radiation, this work introduces a method for the detection of gamma-irradiated (3 kGy) calf liver through measurements of Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of their extracted DNA. Results show characteristic FT-IR bands that yield significant differences between irradiated and control calf liver samples. The guanine nucleoside band at 1491 cm−1 provides the most significant characterization.

One distributor’s experience with irradiated produce

Purpose of review: The pre-export application of agreed phytosanitary measures for economically important species of fruit flies (eg, Bactrocera tryoni – Queensland fruit fly) and other high risk pests are a critical aspect of New Zealand's biosecurity requirements. There are a number of successfully implemented treatments allowing for the commercial trade of fresh produce from Australia to New Zealand. The “tool box” of agreed measures include the application of post-harvest treatments such as heat treatments, cold disinfestation, chemical dips/sprays and methyl bromide fumigation. Other non-treatment options include sourcing products from recognised pest free areas (PFAs), the use of systems approaches and recognised non-host status. Over recent years, there has been a need to revise the commercial application for several of the historically recognised treatment options. In particular, the effective banning of dimethoate as an accepted post-harvest treatment option for several products required the development and implementation of new alternatives to facilitate the long-standing market access for important commodities such as mangoes, tomatoes and capsicums. The application of irradiation technology in this instance has successfully fulfilled an important technological and trade need. Furthermore, irradiation has also facilitated the market access for new commodities, such as lychees, and paved the way for the implementation of long-term and sustainable export-import programmes.Findings: A significant volume of irradiated mangoes, lychees, tomatoes and capsicums are now purchased by consumers in New Zealand. It is very clear that not only does irradiation fulfil a technological need but it also fulfils a consumer need by making quality produce available at competitive prices. Consequently, a significant proportion of the New Zealand public will consistently buy irradiated fresh produce when it is available to them.Directions for future research: The recent approval by FSANZ for the irradiation of a range of new commodities will open up further opportunities for both new market access (eg, for cherries and other stone fruit) and also provide a commercially viable treatment alternative for products with existing market access to New Zealand (eg, grapes). Since the commercial application of irradiation treatments has now been in place for more than a decade, trust and confidence in the technical effectiveness of the treatment has improved as well as consumer acceptance. Significant investments in associated infra-structure requirements directly relevant to the fresh produce supplychain (eg, maintaining the cold-chain before, during and after treatment) has also sent positive signals that irradiation is a sustainable and long-term option amongst the current toolbox of treatment options. Governments and regulators must now build on the existing science-based approvals and take a more pragmatic stand to ensure that the regulatory frameworks and approval processes are less obstructive and time consuming so that consumers can exercise their free choice of buying or not buying a wider range of irradiated produce.

Australia export programmes for irradiated fresh produce to New Zealand

Purpose of review: The pre-export application of agreed phytosanitary measures for economically important species of fruit flies (eg, Bactrocera tryoni – Queensland fruit fly) and other high risk pests are a critical aspect of New Zealand's biosecurity requirements. There are a number of successfully implemented treatments allowing for the commercial trade of fresh produce from Australia to New Zealand. The “tool box” of agreed measures include the application of post-harvest treatments such as heat treatments, cold disinfestation, chemical dips/sprays and methyl bromide fumigation. Other non-treatment options include sourcing products from recognised pest free areas (PFAs), the use of systems approaches and recognised non-host status. Over recent years, there has been a need to revise the commercial application for several of the historically recognised treatment options. In particular, the effective banning of dimethoate as an accepted post-harvest treatment option for several products required the development and implementation of new alternatives to facilitate the long-standing market access for important commodities such as mangoes, tomatoes and capsicums. The application of irradiation technology in this instance has successfully fulfilled an important technological and trade need. Furthermore, irradiation has also facilitated the market access for new commodities, such as lychees, and paved the way for the implementation of long-term and sustainable export-import programmes.Findings: A significant volume of irradiated mangoes, lychees, tomatoes and capsicums are now purchased by consumers in New Zealand. It is very clear that not only does irradiation fulfil a technological need but it also fulfils a consumer need by making quality produce available at competitive prices. Consequently, a significant proportion of the New Zealand public will consistently buy irradiated fresh produce when it is available to them.Directions for future research: The recent approval by FSANZ for the irradiation of a range of new commodities will open up further opportunities for both new market access (eg, for cherries and other stone fruit) and also provide a commercially viable treatment alternative for products with existing market access to New Zealand (eg, grapes). Since the commercial application of irradiation treatments has now been in place for more than a decade, trust and confidence in the technical effectiveness of the treatment has improved as well as consumer acceptance. Significant investments in associated infra-structure requirements directly relevant to the fresh produce supplychain (eg, maintaining the cold-chain before, during and after treatment) has also sent positive signals that irradiation is a sustainable and long-term option amongst the current toolbox of treatment options. Governments and regulators must now build on the existing science-based approvals and take a more pragmatic stand to ensure that the regulatory frameworks and approval processes are less obstructive and time consuming so that consumers can exercise their free choice of buying or not buying a wider range of irradiated produce.

Nutritional aspects of irradiated food

Purpose of review: The pre-export application of agreed phytosanitary measures for economically important species of fruit flies (eg, Bactrocera tryoni – Queensland fruit fly) and other high risk pests are a critical aspect of New Zealand's biosecurity requirements. There are a number of successfully implemented treatments allowing for the commercial trade of fresh produce from Australia to New Zealand. The “tool box” of agreed measures include the application of post-harvest treatments such as heat treatments, cold disinfestation, chemical dips/sprays and methyl bromide fumigation. Other non-treatment options include sourcing products from recognised pest free areas (PFAs), the use of systems approaches and recognised non-host status. Over recent years, there has been a need to revise the commercial application for several of the historically recognised treatment options. In particular, the effective banning of dimethoate as an accepted post-harvest treatment option for several products required the development and implementation of new alternatives to facilitate the long-standing market access for important commodities such as mangoes, tomatoes and capsicums. The application of irradiation technology in this instance has successfully fulfilled an important technological and trade need. Furthermore, irradiation has also facilitated the market access for new commodities, such as lychees, and paved the way for the implementation of long-term and sustainable export-import programmes.Findings: A significant volume of irradiated mangoes, lychees, tomatoes and capsicums are now purchased by consumers in New Zealand. It is very clear that not only does irradiation fulfil a technological need but it also fulfils a consumer need by making quality produce available at competitive prices. Consequently, a significant proportion of the New Zealand public will consistently buy irradiated fresh produce when it is available to them.Directions for future research: The recent approval by FSANZ for the irradiation of a range of new commodities will open up further opportunities for both new market access (eg, for cherries and other stone fruit) and also provide a commercially viable treatment alternative for products with existing market access to New Zealand (eg, grapes). Since the commercial application of irradiation treatments has now been in place for more than a decade, trust and confidence in the technical effectiveness of the treatment has improved as well as consumer acceptance. Significant investments in associated infra-structure requirements directly relevant to the fresh produce supplychain (eg, maintaining the cold-chain before, during and after treatment) has also sent positive signals that irradiation is a sustainable and long-term option amongst the current toolbox of treatment options. Governments and regulators must now build on the existing science-based approvals and take a more pragmatic stand to ensure that the regulatory frameworks and approval processes are less obstructive and time consuming so that consumers can exercise their free choice of buying or not buying a wider range of irradiated produce.

Consumer response to irradiated food: purchase versus perception

Purpose of review: The pre-export application of agreed phytosanitary measures for economically important species of fruit flies (eg, Bactrocera tryoni – Queensland fruit fly) and other high risk pests are a critical aspect of New Zealand's biosecurity requirements. There are a number of successfully implemented treatments allowing for the commercial trade of fresh produce from Australia to New Zealand. The “tool box” of agreed measures include the application of post-harvest treatments such as heat treatments, cold disinfestation, chemical dips/sprays and methyl bromide fumigation. Other non-treatment options include sourcing products from recognised pest free areas (PFAs), the use of systems approaches and recognised non-host status. Over recent years, there has been a need to revise the commercial application for several of the historically recognised treatment options. In particular, the effective banning of dimethoate as an accepted post-harvest treatment option for several products required the development and implementation of new alternatives to facilitate the long-standing market access for important commodities such as mangoes, tomatoes and capsicums. The application of irradiation technology in this instance has successfully fulfilled an important technological and trade need. Furthermore, irradiation has also facilitated the market access for new commodities, such as lychees, and paved the way for the implementation of long-term and sustainable export-import programmes.Findings: A significant volume of irradiated mangoes, lychees, tomatoes and capsicums are now purchased by consumers in New Zealand. It is very clear that not only does irradiation fulfil a technological need but it also fulfils a consumer need by making quality produce available at competitive prices. Consequently, a significant proportion of the New Zealand public will consistently buy irradiated fresh produce when it is available to them.Directions for future research: The recent approval by FSANZ for the irradiation of a range of new commodities will open up further opportunities for both new market access (eg, for cherries and other stone fruit) and also provide a commercially viable treatment alternative for products with existing market access to New Zealand (eg, grapes). Since the commercial application of irradiation treatments has now been in place for more than a decade, trust and confidence in the technical effectiveness of the treatment has improved as well as consumer acceptance. Significant investments in associated infra-structure requirements directly relevant to the fresh produce supplychain (eg, maintaining the cold-chain before, during and after treatment) has also sent positive signals that irradiation is a sustainable and long-term option amongst the current toolbox of treatment options. Governments and regulators must now build on the existing science-based approvals and take a more pragmatic stand to ensure that the regulatory frameworks and approval processes are less obstructive and time consuming so that consumers can exercise their free choice of buying or not buying a wider range of irradiated produce.

Irradiated food for special diets

Purpose of review: The pre-export application of agreed phytosanitary measures for economically important species of fruit flies (eg, Bactrocera tryoni – Queensland fruit fly) and other high risk pests are a critical aspect of New Zealand's biosecurity requirements. There are a number of successfully implemented treatments allowing for the commercial trade of fresh produce from Australia to New Zealand. The “tool box” of agreed measures include the application of post-harvest treatments such as heat treatments, cold disinfestation, chemical dips/sprays and methyl bromide fumigation. Other non-treatment options include sourcing products from recognised pest free areas (PFAs), the use of systems approaches and recognised non-host status. Over recent years, there has been a need to revise the commercial application for several of the historically recognised treatment options. In particular, the effective banning of dimethoate as an accepted post-harvest treatment option for several products required the development and implementation of new alternatives to facilitate the long-standing market access for important commodities such as mangoes, tomatoes and capsicums. The application of irradiation technology in this instance has successfully fulfilled an important technological and trade need. Furthermore, irradiation has also facilitated the market access for new commodities, such as lychees, and paved the way for the implementation of long-term and sustainable export-import programmes.Findings: A significant volume of irradiated mangoes, lychees, tomatoes and capsicums are now purchased by consumers in New Zealand. It is very clear that not only does irradiation fulfil a technological need but it also fulfils a consumer need by making quality produce available at competitive prices. Consequently, a significant proportion of the New Zealand public will consistently buy irradiated fresh produce when it is available to them.Directions for future research: The recent approval by FSANZ for the irradiation of a range of new commodities will open up further opportunities for both new market access (eg, for cherries and other stone fruit) and also provide a commercially viable treatment alternative for products with existing market access to New Zealand (eg, grapes). Since the commercial application of irradiation treatments has now been in place for more than a decade, trust and confidence in the technical effectiveness of the treatment has improved as well as consumer acceptance. Significant investments in associated infra-structure requirements directly relevant to the fresh produce supplychain (eg, maintaining the cold-chain before, during and after treatment) has also sent positive signals that irradiation is a sustainable and long-term option amongst the current toolbox of treatment options. Governments and regulators must now build on the existing science-based approvals and take a more pragmatic stand to ensure that the regulatory frameworks and approval processes are less obstructive and time consuming so that consumers can exercise their free choice of buying or not buying a wider range of irradiated produce.

Using irradiation to make safe food safer

Purpose of review: The pre-export application of agreed phytosanitary measures for economically important species of fruit flies (eg, Bactrocera tryoni – Queensland fruit fly) and other high risk pests are a critical aspect of New Zealand's biosecurity requirements. There are a number of successfully implemented treatments allowing for the commercial trade of fresh produce from Australia to New Zealand. The “tool box” of agreed measures include the application of post-harvest treatments such as heat treatments, cold disinfestation, chemical dips/sprays and methyl bromide fumigation. Other non-treatment options include sourcing products from recognised pest free areas (PFAs), the use of systems approaches and recognised non-host status. Over recent years, there has been a need to revise the commercial application for several of the historically recognised treatment options. In particular, the effective banning of dimethoate as an accepted post-harvest treatment option for several products required the development and implementation of new alternatives to facilitate the long-standing market access for important commodities such as mangoes, tomatoes and capsicums. The application of irradiation technology in this instance has successfully fulfilled an important technological and trade need. Furthermore, irradiation has also facilitated the market access for new commodities, such as lychees, and paved the way for the implementation of long-term and sustainable export-import programmes.Findings: A significant volume of irradiated mangoes, lychees, tomatoes and capsicums are now purchased by consumers in New Zealand. It is very clear that not only does irradiation fulfil a technological need but it also fulfils a consumer need by making quality produce available at competitive prices. Consequently, a significant proportion of the New Zealand public will consistently buy irradiated fresh produce when it is available to them.Directions for future research: The recent approval by FSANZ for the irradiation of a range of new commodities will open up further opportunities for both new market access (eg, for cherries and other stone fruit) and also provide a commercially viable treatment alternative for products with existing market access to New Zealand (eg, grapes). Since the commercial application of irradiation treatments has now been in place for more than a decade, trust and confidence in the technical effectiveness of the treatment has improved as well as consumer acceptance. Significant investments in associated infra-structure requirements directly relevant to the fresh produce supplychain (eg, maintaining the cold-chain before, during and after treatment) has also sent positive signals that irradiation is a sustainable and long-term option amongst the current toolbox of treatment options. Governments and regulators must now build on the existing science-based approvals and take a more pragmatic stand to ensure that the regulatory frameworks and approval processes are less obstructive and time consuming so that consumers can exercise their free choice of buying or not buying a wider range of irradiated produce.

Phytosanitary irradiation and fresh fruit quality: cultivar and maturity effects

Purpose of review: The pre-export application of agreed phytosanitary measures for economically important species of fruit flies (eg, Bactrocera tryoni – Queensland fruit fly) and other high risk pests are a critical aspect of New Zealand's biosecurity requirements. There are a number of successfully implemented treatments allowing for the commercial trade of fresh produce from Australia to New Zealand. The “tool box” of agreed measures include the application of post-harvest treatments such as heat treatments, cold disinfestation, chemical dips/sprays and methyl bromide fumigation. Other non-treatment options include sourcing products from recognised pest free areas (PFAs), the use of systems approaches and recognised non-host status. Over recent years, there has been a need to revise the commercial application for several of the historically recognised treatment options. In particular, the effective banning of dimethoate as an accepted post-harvest treatment option for several products required the development and implementation of new alternatives to facilitate the long-standing market access for important commodities such as mangoes, tomatoes and capsicums. The application of irradiation technology in this instance has successfully fulfilled an important technological and trade need. Furthermore, irradiation has also facilitated the market access for new commodities, such as lychees, and paved the way for the implementation of long-term and sustainable export-import programmes.Findings: A significant volume of irradiated mangoes, lychees, tomatoes and capsicums are now purchased by consumers in New Zealand. It is very clear that not only does irradiation fulfil a technological need but it also fulfils a consumer need by making quality produce available at competitive prices. Consequently, a significant proportion of the New Zealand public will consistently buy irradiated fresh produce when it is available to them.Directions for future research: The recent approval by FSANZ for the irradiation of a range of new commodities will open up further opportunities for both new market access (eg, for cherries and other stone fruit) and also provide a commercially viable treatment alternative for products with existing market access to New Zealand (eg, grapes). Since the commercial application of irradiation treatments has now been in place for more than a decade, trust and confidence in the technical effectiveness of the treatment has improved as well as consumer acceptance. Significant investments in associated infra-structure requirements directly relevant to the fresh produce supplychain (eg, maintaining the cold-chain before, during and after treatment) has also sent positive signals that irradiation is a sustainable and long-term option amongst the current toolbox of treatment options. Governments and regulators must now build on the existing science-based approvals and take a more pragmatic stand to ensure that the regulatory frameworks and approval processes are less obstructive and time consuming so that consumers can exercise their free choice of buying or not buying a wider range of irradiated produce.

Retention of Biological Activities of the Cosmetics Manufactured with Green Tea Polyphenol and Possible Application of Irradiation Technology

Ionizing radiation can be used to improve the color of green tea extract to brighter. As a result, the irradiated green tea extract can be applied easier and broader in food or cosmetic industry. To confirm the retention of the biological activities of the cosmetic products added with green tea polyphenols (PPs), the real cosmetic products including a skin lotion (PS) and an essence (PE) cream were manufactured. Irradiation also applied to the manufactured cosmetic products to see their improvement of color and changes of biological activity. The PP showed 72% of electron donating ability (EDA) at a 5 ppm concentration and the PS and PE containing 2% PP showed higher than 60%, which was similar inhibition activity to vitamin C. The inhibition of superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity of PP, PS, and PE were higher than 55% at a 500 ppm concentration and the inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XOase) were also higher than 65% at a 200 ppm concentration. The measurement of lipid oxidation by addition of <TEX>$Cu^{2+}$</TEX> and <TEX>$Fe^{2+}$</TEX> as prooxidants showed that PP and PS had higher metal chelating ability for <TEX>$Fe^{2+}$</TEX> than that of PE and the ability increased by increase of polyphenol concentration isolated from green tea. The <TEX>$Cu^{2+}$</TEX> chelating ability of PP and PS showed higher than 90% at a 200 ppm concentration. Therefore, it is concluded that addition of PP in manufacturing PS and PE retains its biological activities including EDA, inhibition of XOase and SOD-like activity, and metal chelating ability in the manufactured cosmetic products. In addition, irradiation of PS and PE improved color of the products containing PP brighter without any adverse changes in biological activity of the products.

Development and Application of Irradiation Technology in HANARO

A material capsule system including a main capsule, a fixing, a control, a cutting, and a transport system was developed for an irradiation test of non-fissile materials in HANARO. This capsule system has been actively utilized for the various material irradiation tests requested by users from research institutes, universities, and the industries. Based on the accumulated irradiation experience and the user’s sophisticated requirements, the instrumented capsule technologies for a more precise control of the irradiation temperature and fluence of a specimen were developed in HANARO. 6,000 specimens from domestic research institutes, nuclear industry companies and universities, were irradiated in HANARO for 54,000 hours by using the developed capsule irradiation system. Recently, development of new instrumented capsule technologies for an IP/OR irradiation test and a high temperature irradiation test has been performed in HANARO for relevant ongoing R&amp;D for the international Gen IV Program. New irradiation technologies are also under development for the production of new functional materials including superconductor and optical/electrical materials.