What is gamma irradiation used for?

What is gamma irradiation used for?

The gamma irradiation process uses Cobalt 60 radiation for a variety of applications, including sterilization, decontamination and materials modification. Gamma irradiation offers good penetration of dense products and is ideal for many types of materials and their packaging.

What foods Cannot be irradiated?

Effects of irradiation on food Some foods, such as dairy foods and eggs, cannot be irradiated because it causes changes in flavour or texture. Fruits, vegetables, grain foods, spices and meats (such as chicken) can be irradiated.

What is not a benefit of food irradiation?

Does not guarantee total food safety: While irradiation food is considered to be safe for consumption, it does not eliminate toxins. Additionally, when it is applied below the dose that is recommended, it may not be able to get rid of viruses as well.

Why is food irradiation expensive?

The primary reason is that irradiation is a process involving no raw materials. Initial capital requirements for an irradiation facility are relatively high. The cost for a commercial irradiator starts at over a million dollars and can typically cost several million dollars, depending on production capacity.

Why is food irradiation not used in the US?

But radiation isn’t commonly used to treat most foodstuffs in the U.S. because of cost, consumer wariness and the worries of some about its long-term safety.

Is irradiated food still nutritious?

Nutritional studies have shown that low-dose food irradiation does not cause significant changes in nutritional value. Even at the higher doses of irradiation used to extend shelf-life or control harmful bacteria, nutritional losses are less than, or about the same as cooking and freezing.

What are the pros and cons of irradiation?

List of Pros of Food Irradiation

• Enhances Food Safety.
• Extend the Shelf Life of Consumer Foods.
• No Chemical Residue.
• Minor Nutrient Loss.
• Properly Labeled.
• Does Not Guarantee Total Food Safety.
• Negative Effect on Animals.
• Costly Environmental Contamination.