Identification of Irradiated Potatoes Using Impedance

SURF Presentation by Kitty Monn

FOODBORNE DISEASES KILL THOUSANDS

25% OF WORLD FOOD SUPPLY DESTROYED

SOLUTION:

What is food irradiation? What are its benefits? Is it safe? Are there ways to detect whether

food has been irradiated?

What Is Food Irradiation?

Food irradiation is the process of exposing food, either packaged or in

bulk,

to carefully controlled amounts of ionizing radiation

for a specific time to achieve… certain desirable

objectives….

Ionizing Radiation-x-rays, alpha, beta, and gamma rays which

cause whatever material they strike to produce ions

(short wavelength…high energy)

SOLUTION:

What is food irradiation? What are its benefits? Is it safe? Are there ways to detect whether

food has been irradiated?

BENEFITS OF FOOD IRRADIATION LOW DOSE (up to 1 kGY)

(FDA approved for grain, fruits, vegetables, and pork)

Inhibits growth of sprouts on potatoes, onions, and garlic.

Slows ripening process, keeping fruits and vegetables from spoiling by a few days (e.g. mushrooms) to a few weeks (strawberries).

Kills insects found in wheat, flour, fruits, and vegetables.

Eliminates parasites such as trichinosis -causing parasites in pork.

BENEFITS OF FOOD IRRADIATION

MEDIUM DOSE (1-10 kGy) (FDA approved for poultry)

Extends shelf-life of fresh fish, strawberries, etc.

Reduces or eliminates spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms and parasites like salmonella.

Inhibits mold on fruits. Improves some technological

properties.

BENEFITS OF FOOD IRRADIATIONHIGH DOSE (10-50 kGy) (FDA approved for spices)

Sterilizes food for hospital diets of those with immune system disorders.

SOLUTION:

What is food irradiation? What are its benefits? Is it safe? Are there ways to detect whether

food has been irradiated?

Safety Issues for the Consumer

Radioactivity? Chemical changes? Nutritional qualities? Microbiological mutations? Genetic changes? Effect on food additives? Packaging?

Need for Detection Method

international food trade assure compliance with regulations

-enforcement of labeling-control where prohibited

consumer confidence

-protect freedom of information and choice

-protection from fraud

Types of Detection Methods

Chemical Biological Physical

Status of Physical Methods

Applications (Physical Methods)

Impedance -potatoes

Viscosity -pepper

Chemiluminescence -spices, herbs -dry vegetables

Thermoluminescence -spices, herbs (minerals) -fruits, veggies (minerals) -shellfish

EPR -meat, poultry, fish -nuts, dry fruits/veggies -fresh fruits -shellfish -whole eggs

IS THERE A SIGNIFICANT

DIFFERENCE ?

IS IMPEDANCE RATIO A RELIABLE INDICATOR?

Requirements of a Detection Method

Discrimination distinct and separable radiation-induced response

Specificity response not induced by other processing

Robustness insensitive or predictable response

Reliability

Stability

Confidence

Practicability rapid, simple, low cost wide applicability

Dose-dependence (quantification) ideal, not required