Food irradiation

1. Food Irradiation

2. Food irradiation is a process of exposing foods, either prepackaged or in bulk to very high-energy, invisible light waves (radiation) such as gamma rays, X-rays or electron beams.

3. Foods that can be irradiated Wheat flour potatoes Pork Fruits and vegetables Herbs and spices Meat onions

4. Food Dose Meat - 4.5 kGy Grains - 0.2 – 0.5 kGy Fruits & Vegetables 1 kGy kGy - kilogray

5. The effects on food The scientists say the nutritional value of the food is virtually unaffected. This has been heavily tested on humans and animals. This has not shown any adverse effects.

6. Cost of Irradiation Facility Cost- Rs 6-8 Crores excluding land cost . Cost varies based on type of food.

7. Irradiation Plant Food Irradiation Plant is authorized by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board . Facility could be private, public or joint sector company.

8. irradiation plants In Maharashtra Bhabha Atomic Research Centre which has a Radiation Processing Plant at Vashi , Navi Mumbai. KRUSHAK Lasalgaon near Nashik .

9. Advantages It can kill many insects and pests that infest foods. It can delay or stop normal ripening and decay processes so that foods can be stored for longer. It can kill dangerous micro organisms in foods .

10. Disadvantages It can only be used on a very limited range of foods. It is still a relatively expensive technology. vitamin E levels can be reduced by 25% after irradiation and vitamin C by 5-10%. It is ineffective against viruses.

11. Radiation processing of food (a) Shelf-life extension of pumpkin samples (b) Meat products (Samples on the left are controls and on the right are irradiated)