Thesis Abstract

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.0     WHAT IS IRRADIATION

Just a mention of the world irradiation, sparks strong objection, usually based on misunderstanding of the process involved and its effects on foods.  Very simply, irradiation is a process of exposing food, either prepackaged or in bulk, to very high energy, invisible light waves called radiation. The process controls the amount of radiation the food absorbs. F or irradiation is a means of preservation, it is used to extend product shelf life.

The radiation energy used is able to cause changes in molecules such as breaking chemical bonds. At small irradiation, does, properties of the food such as sprouting and ripening can be modified. Higher doses can alter molecules in microorganisms so they can no longer cause spoilage or human illness. (Andres et al 2002).

Food irradiation is a means of food preservation that has been in development since the early part of the twenty century. If applied properly, irradiation can be effective in a way of reducing the incidence of food born disease and treatment of variety of potential problem in our food supply. It is capable of improving the safety and quality of many foods and extending their shelf life.

Irradiation, however, is not a care all process. It is not suitable for every food and it cannot reverse spoilage which has already occur. Foods are treated with lionizing radiation to accomplish many different goals. Food processing technology can improve he safety of food through the reduction of pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms as well as parasites t hat cause food borne diseases. (Morehouse 1998).

Early in the 1920’s a French scientist discovered that irradiation could be used to preserve food. The technology was not adopted in the United State of America until World War 2. At this time, there was a need to feed mallow of men and women in uniform. The United State Army sponsored a series of experiments with fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish and meats. In 1963, the United State saw its first approval of food irradiation when Food and Drug Administration approved its use to control insects in wheat and wheat flour.