Food Irradiation Research Articles

Detection of irradiated plant foods by photo- and thermally-stimulated luminescence

The aim of this work was to verify the applicability of the European Standard EN 13751, based on Photo-Stimulated Luminescence (PSL) and the European Standard EN 1788, based on Thermoluminescence (TL), for the detection of irradiation in plant food supplement (PFS) ingredients, nuts and fresh fruits with health benefits. In particular, in this work, herbal ingredients (Camellia sinensis, Ginkgo biloba, Glycine max, Silybum marianum, Vaccinium myrtillus), almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts and fresh blueberries, papaya and mango, were analyzed by both stimulated luminescence methods. To verify the reliability of the methods in detecting the treatment over time, the analyses were replicated after irradiation within the product shelf life. The PSL screening method allowed to correctly identify blueberries, nuts and raw materials of PFS but failed with dried herbal extracts, mango and papaya, due to their low content of silicates. To validate the procedure elaborated during the preliminary study, blind tests, involving several national laboratories of the official control, were organized. The tests confirmed the limits in detecting dried extracts, mango and papaya by PSL technique. TL method resulted suitable as a confirmatory method for all the matrices of the study.

Investigations on structural and radiation shielding properties of Er3+ doped zinc bismuth borate glasses

Novel optical glasses 10ZnO-5Na2CO3-10Bi2O3-(75-x)B2O3-xEr2O3 with x = (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0) mol%, were synthesized by melt quench technique and characterized through XRD, EDAX, optical and luminescent properties, before and after irradiating them with high energy (1.3 MeV) gamma rays. Moreover, the gamma photons attenuation characterizations for the samples under study were studied. The mass attenuation coefficients for the selected glasses were affected with the addition of Er2O3. Based on the findings from the mass attenuation coefficients, ZNBBEr-5 has better photon attenuation features in comparison with the other samples. Also, arising the Er2O3 content in the glasses, led to increase the effective atomic number. The mean free path for the prepared samples were compared with some shieling glasses. Shielding performance of the present glass samples against gamma radiation reveals pair production is prominent at 1.3 MeV. UV-VIS–NIR absorption edge was red shifted after gamma irradiation indicating the formation of electron/absorption centers in the glass matrix. Thermally stimulated Luminescence (TL) spectroscopy technique showed five electron trap centers at 445K, 491K, 545K, 590K, 620K with acceptable FOM [< 5%] values. The number of overlapping peaks and their trapping parameters like kinetic order, activation energy, peak temperature, frequency factor and half life were determined using the Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD). Linear behaviour obtained through the dose response of the glass (5 kGy–50 kGy) proved their suitability for dosimetric application in the food irradiation zones and in red LEDs (<50 kGy).

Consumer awareness and acceptance of irradiated foods: the case of Italian consumers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers’ willingness to accept irradiated food and the major factors related both to socio-demographic characteristics and to the perceived risk of consumers about the assumption of foods treated with novel technologies and irradiation, in particular, affecting their behavior. Consumers’ need for information has been investigated.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey, involving 392 consumers living in Italy, was carried out to respond to the aim of the study. A Probit model was performed in order to identify major factors affecting the probability to accept food treated with ionizing radiation.FindingsFindings show that the acceptability of irradiated foods is mainly affected by the consumers’ perceived risk to health consequent to their consumption. Equally influent are the socio-economic characteristics such as age, monthly income and geographical area in which consumers live.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides some interesting suggestions both for policy makers and managers, primarily related to the need to start an effective promotion campaign aimed to familiarize the consumers about the principles, aims and benefits of irradiation technology.Originality/valueVery few empirical studies have been carried out in order to evaluate the acceptability of foods products treated with ionizing radiation in Italy, where exist a growing problem related to the food loss and waste, and the need for information among consumers about the irradiated foods.

CONSUMER’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE DEMAND FOR IRRADIATED FOOD IN CAIRO GOVERNORATE

Currently, the international community focus on the problem of food security and nutrition to achieve the goals in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Plan, in particular the second objective of sustainable development, which concern eradication of hunger, saving food security and be improved nutrition, as well promotion of sustainable agriculture (The official website of the United Nations). The field study aims to provide an indication of the expected volume of demand for irradiated food in the Egyptian market and estimate degree of approval, due to measuring of consumer’s attitudes. The process of food irradiation gives a competitive advantage in the markets, through achievement of important role in preserving food and agricultural products, an addition protect them from spoilage. The felid Study was based on consumer demand for irradiated food in Cairo Governorate, as the largest governorate in terms of population intensity, representing about 10.06% of the total population of the Republic (Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, 2017). A survey was conducted on consumers who frequented the hypermarket between two areas, one located in a high income area (1st Settlement) and the other located in a low income area (Shoubra). The results of the survey showed that the percentage of those who approved the purchase of irradiated food amounted to about 67%, while the percentage of those who undecided and rejected was estimated at about 12% 21% respectively. The highest percentage of weighted average value was approved for the axis of the nutritional value of food and quality, which amounted to about 81.33%, while the approval rate for the axis of environmental specifications has reached 74.66% only. The results indicate that the factors affecting on consumers behavior for the purchase of irradiated food are not mainly due to the price specifications of the commodity but to the nutritional value and quality, health and marketing specifications. In addition, the results showed that relationship wasn’t statistically significant between the variables of the age group, gender, social status and all the axes of the irradiated food specification, but relationship was found statistically significant between the variable of the region (high income and low income) and the total specifications. The study suggests which explains the importance of directing marketing strategies appropriate to the consumer groups with a relatively low level of education and low incomes, because increasing the awareness of the benefits of radiation Processed of food, will increase the total economic benefit for them, it’s most important of maintain quality and safety of food for long shelf life. The results also showed the relative importance of information, that effect on demand for irradiated food in the Egyptian market, it’s considered high relatively where was estimated at 87%. Furthermore, the results explained an important role of the major media as television, which has most Watched by consumers by 69%, followed it the Internet by 29%. The dry foods may be provided when the commercial application and marketing of irradiated products in the Egyptian market would be started, This is due to agree with most consumer’s attitude, which selected by 62% of the study sample. Based on the above, the important role becomes clear of felid studies and marketing research in the Egyptian market, to identify the actual wants of consumer, which represented to obtain safe, healthy and high quality of food, how optimization using of food irradiation technology could be met consumer's demand on Specification of food products required in the Egyptian commercial markets. The study recommends of put a marketing strategy for irradiated food, which mainly dependent on providing specifications of these foods, such as nutritional value, quality, health and marketing specifications, which are important economic axes, it had highly compatible with the preference and consumer’s behavior towards purchasing. This is one of the most important factors affecting on demand according to economic theory. This ensures the marketing process’s effectiveness for these foods before supplied to the market. In addition to achieve the expected economic returns at the national level by saved food security or at the individual level by satisfying the consumer's wants to obtain safe food with high quality and comparatively long shelf life.

FLOW CYTOMETRY BASED MICRONUCLEUS ASSAY FOR EVALUATION OF GENOTOXIC POTENTIAL OF 2-ACBs IN HEPATIC CELLS HepG2

Food irradiation is approved for use in more than 60 countries for applications and purposes in a wide variety of foods, being an effective and safe method for preservation and long-term storage. 2-Alkylcyclobutanones (2-ACBs) are the only known radiolytic products generated from foods that contain fatty acids (Triglycerides) when irradiated. The acids analyzed in this study are palmitic and stearic, which when irradiated form 2-Dodecylcyclobutanones (2-dDCB) and 2-Tetradecylcyclobutanone (2-tDCB). Part of the 2-ACBs ingested is excreted through feces and part is deposited in adipose tissues. In vitro studies so far have been only in colon cells. The work used a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) since the accumulation of fat in this organ is quite common. Micronucleus test was selected to evaluate possible genotoxic effects of 2-dDCB and 2-tDCB compounds when exposed to high concentrations (447, 1422 and 2235 μM) for 4 and 24 hours. Tests were performed in quadriplicates using flow cytometric analysis. None detectable genotoxic damage was observed after 4 hours of exposure to the compounds, and cytotoxic effects were only significant at the highest concentration (2235 μM) of 2-dDCB. After 24 hours of exposure, slight genotoxic damage was observed at all concentrations evaluated, and cytotoxic effects were only present when exposed to compound 2-tDCB. Although there is a genotoxic and cytotoxic effect in some of the situations tested, the two compounds predominantly induced proliferation reduction effects of this hepatic tumor cell line.

Comparison of electronic sensing techniques for screening dried shrimps irradiated using three types of approved radiation with standard analytical methods

Rapid analytical methods for screening irradiated foods are required to comply with the approved standards for international trade. Dried shrimps irradiated at 1–7 kGy with gamma rays, electron beam (E-beam), and X-rays were screened with an electronic nose (E-nose) and electronic tongue (E-tongue). The data were compared with those from European standard methods (photostimulated luminescence, PSL) and direct epifluorescent filter technique/aerobic plate count, DEFT/APC). All irradiated shrimp samples were clearly discriminated from the non-irradiated control based on PSL photon count measurements and DEFT/APC microbial enumeration. The volatile patterns and taste attributes of the irradiated (>1 kGy from three sources) and control samples could be distinguished by the E-nose and E-tongue analyses through principal component analysis. Verification through electron spin resonance and thermoluminescence analyses validated screening results. The results indicate that E-sensing techniques showed potential for the rapid screening of irradiated foods like dried shrimps.

Dosimetric characterization of LiMgPO4:Tb,B phosphor for its application in food irradiation

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) intensity versus dose response of indigenously developed LiMgPO4:Tb,B (LMP) disks is linear in the range of 1 mGy–1 kGy. Currently, no other synthetic OSL phosphor is available, which covers such a large dose range. In order to assess the feasibility of using the phosphor in low-dose food irradiation dosimetry (up to 1 kGy), dosimetric characterization of LMP-based OSL dosimeter was carried out under both, gamma and electron beam irradiation. The doses estimated by LMP and routine dosimeters match well in the field trials. Hence, this phosphor has the potential to be used in phytosanitary application using radiation, where delivered doses are of the order of 0.01–1 kGy. Practical applications Food irradiation dosimetry, in India, is being carried out using chemical dosimeters such as Fricke, Ceric-cerous sulphate, and Alanine-electron paramagnetic resonance. The former two are liquid dosimeters kept in glass tubes and therefore need to be handled delicately during irradiation. The complex chemical preparation, sensitive to environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) and temperature changes, sensitive to UV radiation and the high sensitivity to impurities make these dosimetry systems inconvenient for routine applications. The OSL intensity versus dose response of indigenously developed LiMgPO4:Tb,B (LMP) has been observed to be linear up to 1 kGy. Apart from good dosimetric qualities, other qualities of the dosimeter system are quick readout, ease of handling, automated readout mechanisms, and integrity in harsh environments. The above-discussed attributes make LMP-based OSL dosimeter a potential candidate to carry out dosimetry during phytosanitary application of radiation in low-dose range (0.01–1 kGy). This range includes irradiation of mangoes, onions, potatoes, etc.

Consumer interest in information regarding novel food technologies in Italy: The case of irradiated foods

Recent food crises and uncertainty regarding food quality have pushed consumers towards a growing need to know more about the foods they purchase, including information related to both food quality and production. This paper identifies the main factors affecting consumer interest in receiving information on food irradiation technology. An online survey was used for research purposes and a total of 392 people, living in Italy, were questioned. Findings revealed that 89.2% of Italian consumers are interested in receiving information on the treatment of foods with ionizing radiation aimed at raising product safety. In particular, this interest was greater for respondents who reported a high sensitivity to food safety issues, who had already or who have unwittingly purchased irradiated foods, and those with a higher level of education. The results also underlined that a problem of misinformation exists among Italian consumers regarding irradiation technology, and that specific food education programs in the schools promoted by the ministry of education and promotional campaigns supported by public and private institutions, aimed at creating greater awareness and attitude among consumers about irradiated products, are necessary.

Development of optical fibers for food irradiation dosimeter

Different technologies and methods for enhancing food quality have been developed and applied in the last few decades. One of the latest technologies is by using ionizing radiation. Food irradiation is the technology that improves the safety and extends the shelf life of food by reducing or eliminating harmful microorganisms and insects. In order to provide for food safety, proper control or radiation detector of irradiated food seems very critical to facilitate international trade of irradiated foods and to enhance consumer confidence. In present studies, germanium-doped (Ge-doped) optical fibers of various form and dimensions were used as radiation detector. The fibers were irradiated using electron beam (EPS 3000), with doses from 1 kGy up to 10 kGy, exceeding the dose range of all commercial high dose dosimeters used in food irradiation industry. A study has been made of linearity, reproducibility, and fading. The fibers show a linear dose response over the studied range doses with mean of reproducibility less than 5 % variation between 1st exposure and 2nd exposure. TL fading of Ge-doped flat fibers has been found to be &lt; 8.7%.

Technology Resistance: The Case of Food Production Processes

This article examines the relationship between food technology acceptance and the public’s food literacy, defined in terms of consumers’ scientific understanding of food technology. The research investigates four food technologies—food irradiation, genetic modification, biofabrication, and bug-based food—that have immense implications for consumer and societal well-being. The findings reveal complex relationships between consumer understanding of these technologies and acceptance that arise from the multidimensional nature of resistance. Using these results, the authors develop a framework for predicting and addressing consumer resistance to food technology. In addition, they explore the effectiveness of knowledge-based interventions that illustrate how marketing can enhance food literacy, reduce technology resistance, and enhance well-being. Finally, they describe how their findings also speak to the food policy, food marketing, food socialization, and food availability dimensions of the “food = well-being” paradigm.

Vitamin D: part II; cod liver oil, ultraviolet radiation, and eradication of rickets.

After Glisson's description of rickets, it took two centuries to realize that rickets was due to the absence of antirachitic nutrients in the diet or lack exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays. This bone disease caused by vitamin D deficiency was one of the most common diseases of children 100years ago. This paper explores how the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of rickets shifted in the first decades of the twentieth century. Although benefits of cod liver oil as food were known as early as the seventh century, cod liver oil was only proposed as medicinal for rickets in Northern Europe at the end of the eighteenth century. The relationship between rickets and nutritional deficiency was suspected and demonstrated between 1880 and 1915, at the same time of the discovery of other vital substances (vitamins) needed to prevent beriberi, scurvy, and pellagra. Understanding that the lack of photosynthesized vitamin D or the lack of dietary vitamin D was a similar risk of rickets was an important turn in the comprehension of the disease. We look at the sequence and turn of events related to the discovery of vitamin D. Rickets has been recognized first as a disease of urban living people. Cod liver oil had been used since 1700 as a nonspecific treatment for a range of diseases. Generations of children in cities of the north of Europe had learned to hate the taste and smell of the black oily liquid and then grown up to be parents who, in turn, hated to force it down their children's throats. Occasional papers before 1900 pointed to its efficacy for rickets, and most textbooks of the early 1900s mentioned it only as a treatment option. The discovery in the early 1900s that artificial and natural ultraviolet rays had both antirachitic activity allowed to produce antirachitic foods just by food irradiation with artificial ultraviolet irradiation. Clinical guidelines were adopted to propose exposure to sunlight or to artificial ultraviolet radiation to prevent rickets in children. By the mid-1920s, rickets was promoted as universal, at times invisible to non-experts, but present to some degree in nearly every young child regardless of race or class. It was thus used to promote the young disciplines of preventive medicine, pediatrics, and public health. Innovative advances were made in the understanding of vitamin D synthesis from 1915 to 1935. A public health campaign of the 1930s was a success to eradicate rickets, using irradiated ergosterol from yeast to enrich milk and other foods with vitamin D, ensuring that the general population was consuming sufficient vitamin D. Rickets therefore provides an excellent window into the early politics of preventive health and the promotion of targeted interventions in the world. It is also a relevant historical counterpoint for current debates over the role of risk factors (absence of light or sun) for disease (today's so-called "lifestyle" diseases).

Introducción a la irradiación gamma de alimentos y desarrollo tecnológico en Colombia

La irradiación gamma es un método seguro y efectivo de control de microorganismos dañinosy patógenos en diferentes clases de productos que los humanos consumen en todo elmundo, sean alimentos o productos de farmacia, cosmética y dispositivos médicos. La irradiacióngamma de alimentos se utiliza principalmente con el fin de lograr su preservaciónmediante la reducción del deterioro, el mejoramiento de su higiene y el aumento de su vidaútil. Son varias las aplicaciones en la industria alimentaria, que van desde desinfestaciónde frutas y semillas, inhibición de brotes en tubérculos, conservación y desinfección, hastaesterilización, de todas las cuales derivan múltiples beneficios; cada una suple una necesidadque otras tecnologías no satisfacen totalmente, lo cual genera un menor impacto económicoy ambiental. A pesar de su importante aporte a la preservación e inocuidad de los alimentos,en el ámbito nacional no se aplica la tecnología de irradiación en las cadenas de produccióny se desconocen los efectos específicos de la técnica sobre la calidad de los productos locales,así como las características inherentes de posibles productos irradiados que entran al país,a lo cual se suma una desconsiderada falta de regulación que respalde su explotación segura.

From the Chief Executive and IFST News

From the Chief Executive and IFST News

Acid fuchsin dosimeter: a potential dosimeter for food irradiation dosimetry

In this study, for the first-time, aqueous solution of Acid Fuchsin (AF) was spectrophotometrically evaluated as a possible chemical dosimeter for food irradiation dosimetry at low dose ranges. A 50 µM solution of AF at natural pH was gamma irradiated and absorbance of the solution was measured at λmax (i.e., 543 nm) in addition to other wavelengths (490, 510, 549 and 564 nm). The response of AF dosimeter was investigated by plotting various variables, i.e., absorbance (A), − log A, change in absorbance (∆A), log Ao/Ai and absorbance % (A %) against absorbed dose. The response plots suggested that the beneficial dose range of AF solution in water was up to 0.82 kGy when absorbance (A), change in absorbance (ΔA) and absorbance % (A %) were extrapolated against absorbed dose. Though, the response was linear and beneficial absorbed dose range was extended up to 1.65 kGy, when − log A and log Ao/Ai were plotted against absorbed dose. It was concluded from pre- and post-irradiation stability studies of AF dosimeter that it should be protected from light and heat during handling and storage. For detection of the reactive specie involved in the bleaching of AF dye the AF dye solution was saturated with O2, N2 and N2O gases.

Effects of high dose gamma irradiation on the optical properties of Eu3+ doped zinc sodium bismuth borate glasses for red LEDs

Interaction of 10ZnO-5Na2O-10Bi2O3–74.3B2O3-0.7Eu2O3 glasses exposed to high dose gamma rays were investigated using XRD, FTIR, absorption, photoluminescence followed by thermally and optically stimulated luminescence studies. XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of glasses post-irradiation. Variation in FTIR spectra revealed, structural deformation of borate groups as a result of high dose gamma irradiation. Enhanced glass absorbance and red shift in absorption edge were observed with the increase in gamma dose. Further, radiation-induced absorption coefficient confirmed the trapped charges in the forbidden energy gap supported by Tauc's plot and Urbach energy. Photoluminescence (PL) study demonstrated quenching of luminescence intensity at higher gamma doses. Lifetime of metastable 5D0 state of Eu3+ ions were estimated by the decay curves and color purity was calculated using 1931 CIE chromaticity coordinates (x,y). Thermally and optically stimulated luminescence studies reassured the existence of charges in trap centers due to irradiation. TL glow curve exhibited two broad emission peaks with the corresponding temperature being at 490 K and 625 K. Distinct TL peaks of the material and their kinetic parameters (E, S, τ and b) were determined via Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD) method. Linear behaviour obtained through the dose response of the glass (0.25–3 kGy) proved their suitability for dosimetric application in the food irradiation zones in addition to red LEDs (< 1 kGy).

Investigation of hygroscopic equilibrium and modeling sorption isotherms of the argan products: A comparative study of leaves, pulps, and fruits

The aim behind this work is to demonstrate and validate a predictive experimental model of the thermophysical behaviors of the three argan products, leaves, pulps and fruits, using the experimental determination of sorption isotherms. They constitute an important information source to establish the stability of the products of argan and their conditions of conservation. The use of a suitable model for the analysis of the experimental data of sorption is a crucial step in the optimization and the design engineering setting on the scale of drying processes which are considered to be among the largest energy consumers in the chemical industry and agro-foodstuffs. The medicinal herbs are complex mixtures of chemical product that make it difficult to determine mass and heat mechanism. Digital simulations of the isotherms by the model of GAB (Guggenheim–Anderson–Boer) could not only correlate the equilibrium moisture content in food systems but also explain the different properties of sorbed water. Indeed, they are deemed of as helpful tools that allow better thermophysical valorization and lasting conservation. Net isosteric heat of sorption, total heat of wetting, differential entropy and spreading pressure were determined from the isotherms to define the energy associated with the sorption processes. The paper also investigates the impact of both the ionization (food irradiation) and the instant controlled pressure drop processes on water activity of the argan products.

A Study on the Recognition of Radiation Irradiation Foods in Radiology College Students

This study aims to identify the awareness of radiation irradiation foods for radiologists, to help them understand the radiation irradiation foods properly, and to provide basic data on educational programs. The survey was conducted from February 1 to 28, 2018, with a survey of university students majoring in radiology at universities in Daegu and Gyeongbuk provinces.73.7% of the respondents said that they did not have educational experience in radiological survey foods and related educational experiences. 49.8% of radiologists and 31.6% of school education were the most effective methods of radiation survey foods. As for the intention to participate in education on radiation irradiated foods, 54.5% of the respondents said that they are normal and that the participation rate of the students can be increased when providing education on radiation irradiated foods. As for when it is appropriate to conduct education on radiation-invested foods, 27.7% from 'Elementary School' and 23.0% from 'Middle School' are shown. Considering the above results, it is deemed necessary to develop specific promotional activities and educational programs for the overall recognition and clear understanding of irradiated food products of college students who are sensitive to diet.

Conventional and quantitative MRI in a novel feline model of demyelination and endogenous remyelination.

BackgroundThe feeding of irradiated food to healthy adult cats results in widespread, noninflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS); a return to a normal diet results in endogenous remyelination with functional recovery. This recently discovered, reversible disease might provide a compelling clinical neuroimaging model system for the development and testing of myelin‐directed MRI methods as well as future remyelination therapies.PurposeIdentify the noninvasive imaging characteristics of this new disease model and determine whether it features measurable changes on conventional and quantitative MRI.Study TypePilot study.Animal ModelTen adult cats at various stages of demyelinating disease induced by an irradiated diet (35–55 kGy), and during recovery following a return to a normal diet.Field Strength/SequenceConventional (T2‐weighted) and quantitative (diffusion tensor, magnetization transfer) at 3T.AssessmentMRI of the brain, optic nerves, and cervical spinal cord; a subset of diseased cats was euthanized for comparative histopathology.Statistical TestsDescriptive statistics.ResultsDisease produced T2 prolongation, progressing from patchy to diffuse throughout most of the cerebral white matter (eventually involving U‐fibers) and spinal cord (primarily dorsal columns, reminiscent of subacute combined degeneration but without evidence of B12 deficiency). Magnetization transfer parameters decreased by 50–53% in cerebral white matter and by 25–30% in optic nerves and spinal cord dorsal columns. Fractional diffusion anisotropy decreased by up to 20% in pyramidal tracts, primarily driven by increased radial diffusivity consistent with axon preservation. Histopathology showed scattered myelin vacuolation of major white matter tracts as well as many thin myelin sheaths consistent with remyelination in the recovery phase, which was detectable on magnetization transfer imaging.Data ConclusionFeline irradiated diet‐induced demyelination features noninvasively imageable and quantifiable demyelination and remyelination of the CNS. It is therefore a compelling clinical neuroimaging model system. Level of Evidence: 4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1304–1311.

COMPARATIVE EPR SPECTROSCOPY OF MEAT AND FISH RAW MATERIALS

The spread of radiation technologies requires the control of irradiated food raw materials.The possibility of identification of irradiated meat and fish raw materials by bone and pulp tissues, for fish raw materials also by skin with scales has been Experimentally established. The area of the EPR signal of samples of bone tissue in meat raw materials and samples of scales from the fish skin the raw materials most sensitive to amplitude variations with a high degree of correlation (up to 0.99).

Toxicological evaluation of 2-dodecylcyclobutanone, a unique radiolytic compound of palmitic acid

This study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects and potency of 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-dDCB), a unique compound derived from palmitic acid via irradiation. In a series of assays of bacterial reverse-mutation, in vitro chromosomal aberration, and in vivo micronucleus, negative responses were found by the treatment of 2-dDCB comparing vehicle control, dimethyl sulfoxide or corn oil. In the acute oral toxicity test, all of the mice administrated 2-dDCB survived, and there were no clinical and necropsy signs observed at any doses (0, 300, and 2000 mg/kg body weight) during the experimental period of 14 days. These results suggested that 2-dDCB is a relatively non-toxic substance with median lethality dose higher than 2000 mg/kg body weight. Moreover, there were no adverse effects noted in rats orally administrated 2-dDCB everyday via gavage for 28 days, even at the highest dose (2.0 mg/kg body weight/day) tested, which is 1000-times higher than the human daily intake of 2-dDCB estimated through an extreme exposure scenario. Overall, these results indicate that 2-dDCB is not likely to raise any human health concerns and irradiated foods containing palmitic acid can be recognized as safe for human consumption under the current international regulation systems for food irradiation.