Would you eat a pizza that had been exposed to nuclear radiation? Why Or Why not?

Which foods are irradiated? Wheat flour – control of mold White potatoes – inhibit sprouting Pork – kill Trichinia parasites Fruit and Vegetables – insect control; increase shelf life Herbs and Spices - sterilization Poultry – bacterial pathogen reduction Meat – bacterial pathogen reduction

What is food irradiation? Food irradiation is a preservation technique in which food products are exposed briefly to high-energy radiation to control insects, mold, bacteria, and spoilage.

How does irradiation work? During the irradiation process, food products absorb radiation. The radiation breaks down the chemical bonds found within the DNA of the food material and any contaminating microbes or insects. Contaminating organisms are not able to repair DNA and reproduce.

What are the sources of radiation? Gamma Rays Utilize radiation given off by Cobalt 60 or Cesium 137 Electron Beams Stream of high-energy electrons propelled from an electron gun Similar to Beta Particles X-rays Electron beam is directed at a thin plate of gold (or other metal), producing a stream of X-rays exiting from the other side

Cobalt-60 Gamma Irradiation Plant courtesy Food Engineering Magazine at http://www.foodengineeringmag.com

Electron Beam/X-Ray Irradiation Plant

How do radiation sources compare? Gamma Radiation (Gamma Rays from Nuclear Decay) Good penetration Special Facility, Nuclear Waste Electron Beam (Like Beta Particles but Produced by Electricity) No Waste, In-line equipment New Technology X-Ray (Lower Energy Rays Produced by Electron Beam) No Waste, In-line equipment, Good Penetration Newest Technology

What changes occur in the quality of irradiated foods? Irradiation is a “cold” process, and therefore… Little if any change in physical appearance No textural or color changes as with traditional heat preservation Possible chemical changes Off-flavors Tissue softening

What are the benefits? Irradiation… Delays ripening Inhibits sprouting Controls insects Reduces chemical residues Reduces organisms which cause spoilage and foodborne illness Extends the shelf life and improves safety of food products

How do you know if your food has been irradiated? Irradiation must be indicated on the label of all irradiated retail food products “treated with radiation” “treated by irradiation”

Are irradiated foods safe? YES! Radiation doses are never large enough to cause nuclear changes that would cause the food material to become radioactive.

So, now would you eat an irradiated food product? Why Or Why not?