Chapter 21: Current Trends in Food Preservation: Irradiation

Question 1

What is Food Irradiation?

Answer 1

Is a cold food preservation method in which food is exposed to high-energy electromagnetic waves

Question 2

How does Food Irradiation work?

Answer 2

Food moves from one end of a radiation field to another on a conveyor belt while electromagnetic waves pass through it

Question 3

How does Irradiation Sterilize?

Answer 3

Irradiation sterilizes by killing insects, and microorganisms

Question 4

What are the things the FDA approves irradiation for?

Answer 4

1. Wheat and wheat flour - to reduce losses to insects and molds
2. White potatoes to reduce losses from rapid sprouting in storage
3. Spices and herbs - to lower the risk of contaminants
4. Pork, poultry and beef - to destroy microorganisms that cause foodborne illness

Question 5

Ionizing Radiation causes what?

Answer 5

Ionizing Radiation causes ions called Free Radicals to form when the radiation comes in contact with food products

Question 6

The increase of Free Radicals with Ionizing Radiation is what?

Answer 6

The increase of free radicals is no greater than what occurs with other food preservation methods, so is not a health hazard

Question 7

What are Free Radicals?

Answer 7

These ions are unstable and create chemical changes that kill microorganisms and block some enzymatic reactions
- Foods with living cells, such as alfalfa sprouts and oysters are damaged by irradiation

Question 8

What happens when Food is Irradiated?

Answer 8

When food is irradiated, radiolytic products are produced

ie) They include carbon dioxide, formic acid and glucose

Question 9

Irradiation is considered what?

Answer 9

Irradiation is considered a food additive since radiolytic products are produced in the food

Question 10

What Macromolecules remain stable after Irradiation?

Answer 10

Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and most vitamins remain stable

Question 11

Irradiation lowers what Vitamins levels/

Answer 11

Irradiation lowers Vitamin B1 (thiamin) levels

Question 12

What are Gamma Rays?

Answer 12

Are given off by radioactive material that releases energy as unstable nuclei break down
- come from sources that must be stored in specially developed underground storage units

Question 13

What type of Energy (Gamma Rays) is/are Used for Food Irradiation?

Answer 13

1. Cobalt-60, the most common

2. Cesium-137, a by product of plutonium

Question 14

What are Electron beams or E-beams?

Answer 14

made of high energy electrons or beta particles produced by electronic machinery; more costly than Gamma Rays

Question 15

Radiant Energy is only present when?

Answer 15

Radiant Energy is only present when machines are running

Question 16

What is the advantage of Electron or E-beams?

Answer 16

Their advantage is no radioactive material needs to be transported or dumped

Question 17

What is Ultraviolet Light?

Answer 17

Is used only for surface treatment because it cannot penetrate food

Question 18

What are X-rays?

Answer 18

penetrate food in varying degrees depending on the density, cannot be focused easily, involve technology still being improved

Question 19

Units of Energy include…?

Answer 19

1. Rad: or radiation absorbed dose, which is the amount of energy absorbed by 1 gram of material
2. Gray: which equals 100 rads
3. Kilogray: which equals 1000 rads

Question 20

Approved irradiation dosage levels what..?

Answer 20

Approved irradiation dosage levels vary with the type of food being treated

Question 21

Studies show what?

Answer 21

Studies show irradiation does not increase the radioactivity of foods

Question 22

Food processing plants do what to prevent human exposure?

Answer 22

Food processing plants make frequent radiation checks as part of many steps taken to prevent human exposure

Question 23

What d studies show about Irradiation?

Answer 23

Studies show irradiation does not increase the radioactivity of foods

Question 24

Food processing plants make what?

Answer 24

Food processing plants make frequent radiation checks as part of many steps taken to prevent human exposure
- packaging materials approved for using with irradiation will not add toxins to foods

Question 25

Education messages explain what?

Answer 25

Education messages explain the safety of food irradiation and its importance in reducing food-borne illness

Question 26

Food Irradiation is supported by what association?

Answer 26

Food Irradiation is backed by the American Medical Association, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the American Council on Science and Health

Question 27

The FDA has set safety guidelines for?

Answer 27

1. All irradiated foods are tested before they are sold
2. Plans for production plants must be approved before building
3. Production plants are inspected frequently once in operation

Question 28

What is the Nuclear Regulatory Commission?

Answer 28

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates facilities using radioactive sources

Question 29

What is the 1st Group Irradiated foods fall into in terms of labeling?

Answer 29

Group 1:
wheat, wheat flour, spices, herbs, teas, white potatoes, and sprouts
- do not require a label

Question 30

What is the 2nd Group Irradiated foods fall into in terms of labeling?

Answer 30

Group 2:
Whole irradiated foods
- include fresh meats, poultry, fruits and vegetables
- Must have the Radura symbol on their labels
- Must be labeled with the words “treated with radiation” or “Treated by irradiation”

Question 31

What is the 3rd Group Irradiated foods fall into in terms of labeling?

Answer 31

Group 3:
Processed foods that contain whole irradiated foods as ingredients
- include soups, frozen entrees, and pizza
- are not required to show the radura or any statement about irradiation

Question 32

The Radura label is required when?

Answer 32

The Radura label is required only on packaging to the first purchaser

Question 33

Meat and Poultry industries are allowed to use which terms?

Answer 33

Meat and Poultry industries are allowed to use the terms electronically pasteurized instead of irradiated as long as specific processing treatment criteria are met