Electron beam irradiation as a tool for rice grain storage and its effects on the physicochemical properties of rice starch.

In this study, rice grains were treated with electron beam irradiation (EBI). The storage properties of the irradiated rice, as well as the physicochemical properties of isolated starches, were studied. As irradiation dose was increased from 0 kGy to 10 kGy, the lipase activity of irradiated rice decreased from 7.82 mg KOH/100 g to 5.15 mg KOH/100 g. EBI treatment did not significantly (p < 0.05) change fatty acid values. The granular structure of the isolated starches was partially destroyed after severe irradiation, and EBI treatment also caused the degradation of the molecular structures of amylopectin and amylose. All of the starches with or without EBI treatment displayed A-type crystalline structures, and 10 kGy of irradiation disrupted double-helical structures and subsequently decreased relative crystallinity. The formation of carboxyl groups reduced the digestibility of the starches, whereas the disruption of crystallites allowed digestive enzymes to access degraded starch chains easily. Overall, results demonstrated that a low dose of irradiation had insignificant effects on the quality of rice grains and corresponding starches. Thus, EBI could be a green and safe strategy for rice storage.

Consumer interest in information regarding novel food technologies in Italy: The case of irradiated foods.

Recent food crises and uncertainty regarding food quality have pushed consumers towards a growing need to know more about the foods they purchase, including information related to both food quality and production. This paper identifies the main factors affecting consumer interest in receiving information on food irradiation technology. An online survey was used for research purposes and a total of 392 people, living in Italy, were questioned. Findings revealed that 89.2% of Italian consumers are interested in receiving information on the treatment of foods with ionizing radiation aimed at raising product safety. In particular, this interest was greater for respondents who reported a high sensitivity to food safety issues, who had already or who have unwittingly purchased irradiated foods, and those with a higher level of education. The results also underlined that a problem of misinformation exists among Italian consumers regarding irradiation technology, and that specific food education programs in the schools promoted by the ministry of education and promotional campaigns supported by public and private institutions, aimed at creating greater awareness and attitude among consumers about irradiated products, are necessary.

The effect of high-power ultrasound on the quality of carrot juice.

The effect of high-power ultrasound treatment on enzymes' activity, physicochemical attributes (total soluble solids, pH, viscosity, turbidity, particle size distribution and colour) and carotenoids' content of carrot juice was investigated. The treatments were carried out at 20 kHz (0.95, 2.38, 3.80 W/ml power) in an ice bath for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 min. The polyphenol oxidase and pectin methylesterase activity were decreased by 43.90 and 37.95% at 3.80 W/ml power and 10 min exposure time, respectively. With the increase of power and time, the effect of high-power ultrasound on the inactivation of enzymes was getting stronger. However, high-power ultrasound had no inactivation effect on peroxidase activity under all treatment conditions. The visual colour differences were not obvious after high-power ultrasound. The pH, total soluble solids and particle size distribution of carrot juice were not significantly affected (p > 0.05) under all treatment conditions, while turbidity was increased and carotenoids' content was decreased. The viscosity of carrot juice was decreased by 1.27% at 0.95 W/ml power and 8 min, while it was increased by 2.29% at 2.38 W/ml power and 8 min. The value of viscosity was negatively correlated with the activity of pectin methylesterase (Pearson's r = -0.481, p < 0.05). According to these results, we could conclude that the optimal treatment condition was 3.80 W/ml for 10 min. Overall, high-power ultrasound treatment inhibited browning, maintained taste and nutritional value and improved stability of carrot juice. Therefore, this technology could well be an option for processing of carrot juice and laid the theoretical foundation for the production of carrot juice and carrot compound beverage.

Biological Evaluation of Golden Delicious Apples Exposure to UV Lights in Rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Anthocyanin is responsible for the red color of apple. Ultraviolet light plays a key role in activating the genes responsible for anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, the most important concern is using UV light irradiation on fruit to increase anthocyanins level and its nutritional quality. In this study, the accumulation of anthocyanin in green apple using UV-B and UV-C was investigated and its biological influence was evaluated in rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Green Golden delicious apples were irradiated with doses of UV-C and UV-B light for a period of 3 h/day each for 3 days. Two Groups of rats were fed on balanced diet or balanced diet supplemented with 10% apple exposure to UV (AP-UV) for a month. RESULTS: The HPTLC and spectrophotometric determination of anthocyanin revealed that color development was significantly increased by 90% in treated apple compared to the control apples. Histological difference was observed between the 2 groups. Plasma levels of uric acid, the activity of transaminases (ALT and AST) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly elevated in AP-UV rats. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine level did not differ among the 2 groups. Liver MDA and catalase levels were eminent in AP-UV rats compared to control. Gene expression of selected inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß) was significantly up-regulated in liver of AP-UV rats in comparison to control rats. CONCLUSION: The result revealed that there is a health-hazard linked to feeding rats on diet containing irradiated-apple with UV-B and UV-C, which represented by body weight reduction, inflammation development, liver function and oxidative stress elevation.

Various approaches in EPR identification of gamma-irradiated plant foodstuffs: A review.

Irradiation of food in the world is becoming a preferred method for their sterilization and extending their shelf life. For the purpose of trade with regard to the rights of consumers is necessary marking of irradiated foodstuffs, and the use of appropriate methods for unambiguous identification of radiation treatment. One-third of the current standards of the European Union to identify irradiated foods use the method of the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. On the other hand the current standards for irradiated foods of plant origin have some weaknesses that led to the development of new methodologies for the identification of irradiated food. New approaches for EPR identification of radiation treatment of herbs and spices when the specific signal is absent or disappeared after irradiation are discussed. Direct EPR measurements of dried fruits and vegetables and different pretreatments for fresh samples are reviewed.

No induced mutagenesis in human lymphoblast cell line and bacterial systems upon their prolonged sub-culturing in irradiated food blended media.

BACKGROUND: Profound apprehension towards safety of irradiated food has remained a major cause behind tardy acceptance of this technology although it has immense socio-economic potential. Generation of in-depth scientific evidence will help to refute these apprehensions. With this prospective, the present study was undertaken where safety of various irradiated (Dmin up to 25 kGy) foods was evaluated through long-term exposure studies in models including human lymphoblast TK6 cell line (100 generations) and Escherichia coli MG1655 cells (exclusive sub-culturing in irradiated food medium for 3000 generations). Additionally, the Ames test, micronucleus test, comet assay, DNA sequencing and restriction profiling of phagemid DNA from E. coli cells sub-cultured in irradiated food medium were also performed. RESULTS: No induced mutagenesis was observed in these cells during long-term sub-culturing in various irradiated food medium. Also no change was observed in profiles of comet, micronucleus, restriction digestion, random amplification of polymorphic DNA as well as DNA sequences. The latter also ruled out the possibility of any silent mutation. CONCLUSION: Findings of the current study thus provided credible molecular evidence supporting the safety of irradiated foods. This would be helpful in confidence building among consumers, entrepreneurs, and strengthening the overall food irradiation program to achieve 'food safety' and 'security'. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lack of induced mutagenesis in E. coli or human lymphoblast cell line upon long-term sub-culturing in medium from irradiated meat.

PURPOSE: Current study was aimed to enhance the confidence of consumers as well as entrepreneurs towards food irradiation program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this work, safety of high dose (25 kGy) irradiated meat samples (HDIMS) was ascertained by scoring mutation frequency through a long-term sub-culturing study in Escherichia coli MG1655 cells (ATCC 700926) up to 1500 generations (at 1%), 250 generations (at 5% and 10%) and human lymphoblast thymidine kinase heterozygote (TK6) cell line (ATCC CRL-8015) [at two gene loci, tk-/+ (thymidine kinase) and hprt+ (Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase)] up to 156 generations using goat meat sample. Also these samples were assayed at further radiation doses of 10, 45 and 70 kGy at 2% concentration (in cell line), and 1% (in E. coli). Study was also performed with other meat samples such as chicken, fishes (pomfret and rohu) and shrimps by carrying out limited long-term sub-culturing trials in human lymphoblast cell line. Mutation analysis was also carried out using a novel DPAR (Differential loss of Plasmid Antibiotic Resistance) assay followed by sequencing of tcR (tetracycline resistance) gene of pBR322 plasmid isolated from E. coli cells grown for 1500 generations on HDIMS medium and RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis of the genome. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: None of the assays exhibited any induced mutation when analyzed at regular time intervals. RAPD analysis also did not indicate any change in its nucleotide sequence, ruling out the occurrence of any silent mutation. Thus, the present findings report absence of mutagenic effect of high dose irradiated meat samples.

Ames Test to Detect Mutagenicity of 2-Alkylcyclobutanones: A Review.

Food irradiation is an effective and safe method for preservation and long-term storage, and it is approved for use in over 60 countries for various applications in a wide variety of food products. This process is performed by use of accelerated electron beams, X-rays, or gamma radiation (60 Co or 137 Cs). 2-Alkylcyclobutanones (2-ACBs) are the only known radiolytic products generated from foods that have fatty acids (triglycerides) and are subjected to irradiation. Since the 1990s toxicological safety studies of 2-ACBs have been conducted extensively through synthetic compounds, then and tests to determine if the compounds have any mutagenic activity are strictly necessary. The Ames test was chosen by many researchers to assess the mutagenicity of 2-ACBs. The test uses distinct bacterial cell lines Salmonella typhimurium to detect point mutations at sites guanine-cytosine (G-C) and Escherichia coli to detect point mutations at sites adenine-thymine (A-T). This bibliographic research aims to bring together all the results obtained and a comparison and cell lines used, type of plates, and solvents. This research showed that no mutagenic activity was observed in any of the cell lines and concentrations evaluated by the works of authors, so the 2-ACBs compounds showed no mutagenic substance in concentrations detectable by the Ames test.

Effect of different irradiation dose treatment on the lipid oxidation, instrumental color and volatiles of fresh pork and their changes during storage.

This study mainly investigated the effect of different doses irradiation (0, 3, 5 or 7kGy) on the quality changes of pork during 4°C storage by determining the irradiation off-odor intensity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), fatty acid composition, volatiles and color of the samples during whole storage. The results showed that ≥7kGy irradiation could make the samples produce obvious irradiation off-odor. However, after 7days storage irradiation off-odor was reduced. Lipid oxidation was also promoted by irradiation. Benzyl methyl sulfide was produced newly and significantly increased (P<0.05) by irradiation. Fatty acids in pork samples decreased significantly with irradiation dose increase within the range of <7kGy, but significantly increased (P<0.05) in samples of 7kGy. Irradiation significantly increased the a* values regardless of storage time but had little effects on b* and L* values, and the increase of a* values was dose-dependent.

Molecular DNA-based detection of ionising radiation in meat.

BACKGROUND: Ionising radiation induces molecular alterations, such as formation of ions, free radicals, and new stable molecules, and cleavage of the chemical bonds of the molecules present in food. Irradiation-treated meat should be labelled to control the process and to ensure free consumer choice. Therefore, sensitive analytical methods are required to detect the irradiation dose. RESULTS: Meat samples were exposed to radiation doses of 0, 0.272, 0.497, 1.063, 3.64, 8.82 and 17.42 kGy in an industrial 60 Co gamma cell. Primers were designed to amplify 998, 498 and 250-base pair (bp) regions of the 18S rRNA gene of nuclear DNA from the irradiated samples. A new DNA-based method was developed to quantify the radiation exposed to the unstored meat and the meat stored at -20 °C for 3 and 6 months. The method was able to detect meat samples stored and unstored with dose limits of 1.063 and 3.64 kGy, respectively. CONCLUSION: The level of irradiation can be detected using primer pairs that target particularly different-sized sequences for DNA amplification by PCR. This method can be widely used for the analysis of not only meat samples, but also all biological materials containing DNA. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microwave flow and conventional heating effects on the physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and enzymatic activity of tomato puree.

BACKGROUND: Thermal processing causes a number of undesirable changes in physicochemical and bioactive properties of tomato products. Microwave (MW) technology is an emergent thermal industrial process that offers a rapid and uniform heating, high energy efficiency and high overall quality of the final product. The main quality changes of tomato puree after pasteurization at 96 ± 2 °C for 35 s, provided by a semi-industrial continuous microwave oven (MWP) under different doses (low power/long time to high power/short time) or by conventional method (CP) were studied. RESULTS: All heat treatments reduced colour quality, total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C, with a greater reduction in CP than in MWP. On the other hand, use of an MWP, in particular high power/short time (1900 W/180 s, 2700 W/160 s and 3150 W/150 s) enhanced the viscosity and lycopene extraction and decreased the enzyme residual activity better than with CP samples. For tomato puree, polygalacturonase was the more thermo-resistant enzyme, and could be used as an indicator of pasteurization efficiency. CONCLUSION: MWP was an excellent pasteurization technique that provided tomato puree with improved nutritional quality, reducing process times compared to the standard pasteurization process. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of high-dose gamma radiation and particle size on antioxidant properties of Maize ( Zea mays L. ) flour

ABSTRACT Influence of high-dose gamma radiation and particle size on antioxidant properties of maize (Zea mays L.) flour was studied using response surface methodology. A central composite design based on three levels of each of particle size, in terms of mesh number (40, 60 and 80 meshes), and gamma radiation dose (25, 50 and 75 kGy) was constructed. A statistically significant dose-dependent decrease (p<0.05) in antioxidant properties of gamma irradiated flour was observed. However, an increase in the mesh number (decrease in particle size of flour) resulted in an increase in antioxidant properties. The optimum level of radiation dose to achieve maximum value of responses was found to be 50 kGy for Trolox equivalent total antioxidant activity (TETAOA), 25 kGy for iron chelating ability (ICA), 25 kGy for reducing power (RP) and 75 kGy for linoleic acid reduction capacity (LARC). However, the optimum level of mesh number to achieve desired levels of TETAOA, ICA, RP and LARC was found to be 80 meshes

Effect of irradiation on the parameters that influence quality characteristics of uncured and cured cooked turkey meat products.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of irradiation on lipid/protein oxidation, color changes, and off-odor volatiles production in uncured and cured cooked turkey meat products. Uncured cooked turkey breast meat and cured commercial turkey breast rolls and ham were prepared and irradiated at 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 kGy using a linear accelerator. The results showed that irradiation had little effects on lipid oxidation of cured cooked turkey products, but accelerated lipid oxidation in uncured cooked turkey breast meat (P < 0.05). Protein oxidation was increased both in cured and uncured meats (P < 0.05), but more in cured cooked meat by irradiation. The redness of uncured cooked turkey was increased (P < 0.05), but the redness of cured cooked turkey meat was faded by irradiation (P < 0.05). Irradiated cured cooked turkey meat products produced less off-odor volatile compounds (dimethyl disulfide, 3-methyl/2-methyl-butananl, and hexanal) than irradiated uncured cooked meat products due to various additives in the cured meat products. Our results suggested that irradiation resulted in different chemical reactions to pigments in uncured and cured cooked turkey meat products, but cured cooked turkey meat products have a higher tolerance to odor deterioration than uncured cooked turkey meat products.

Radioisotopes produced by neutron irradiation of food.

The use of neutrons for cargo interrogation has the potential to drastically improve threat detection. Previous research has focussed on the production of (24)Na, based on the isotopes produced in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. For both the total activity and the ingestion dose we show that a variety of isotopes contribute and that (24)Na is only dominant under certain conditions. The composition of the foods has a strong influence on the resulting activity and ingestion dose suggesting that the pharmaceuticals and medical devices considered initially are not a viable analogue for foodstuffs. There is an energy dependence to the isotopes produced due to the cross-sections of different reactions varying with neutron energy. We show that this results in different isotopes dominating the ingestion dose at different energies, which has not been considered in the previous literature.

Effect of phytosanitary irradiation and methyl bromide fumigation on the physical, sensory, and microbiological quality of blueberries and sweet cherries.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine whether irradiation could serve as a suitable phytosanitary treatment alternative to methyl bromide (MB) fumigation for blueberries and sweet cherry and also to determine the effect of phytosanitary irradiation treatment on survival of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes on these fruit. 'Bluecrop' blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) and 'Sweetheart' cherries (Prunus avium) were irradiated at 0.4 kGy or fumigated with methyl bromide and evaluated for quality attributes during storage. RESULTS: Irradiation caused an immediate decrease in firmness of both fruit without further significant change during storage. Fumigated fruit, in contrast, softened by 11-14% during storage. Irradiation did not adversely affect blueberry and cherry shelf-life. MB fumigation did not impact blueberry and cherry quality attributes initially; however, fumigated fruit exhibited greater damage and mold growth than the control and irradiated samples during storage. Irradiation at 400 Gy resulted in a ∼1 log CFU g(-1) reduction in Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes counts, indicating that this treatment cannot significantly enhance safety. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that irradiation at a target dose of 0.4 kGy for phytosanitary treatment does not negatively impact blueberry and cherry quality and can serve as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Decontamination of Mesquite Pod Flour Naturally Contaminated with Bacillus cereus and Formation of Furan by Ionizing Irradiation.

Mesquite pod flour produced from nitrogen-fixing trees of the Prosopis species has a unique aroma and flavor that is preferred by some consumers. Due to the presence of wildlife, grazing domestic animals, and insects, the pods have a high potential of being contaminated with human pathogenic bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus. Nonthermal processing technologies are helpful to reduce the population of microorganisms in the flour because heating deteriorates the characteristic flavor. A study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of ionizing radiation in decontaminating two types of mesquite pod flours (Prosopis alba and Prosopis pallida) naturally contaminated with B. cereus and the effects of irradiation on the formation of furan, a possible human carcinogen. Results showed that the populations of B. cereus were 3.8 and 5.4 log CFU/g in nonirradiated P. alba and P. pallida flours, respectively, and populations of microflora, mesophilic spores, B. cereus, and B. cereus spores decreased with increasing radiation doses. At 6 kGy, the populations fell below 1 log CFU/g. Irradiation at 6 kGy had no significant effect on the fructose, glucose, or sucrose content of the flour. Nonirradiated P. alba and P. pallida flours contained 13.0 and 3.1 ng/g of furan, respectively. Furan levels increased with irradiation doses at rates of 2.3 and 2.4 ng/g/kGy in the two flours. The level of 3-methylbutanal was reduced or not affected by irradiation, while the hexanal level was increased. Our results suggested that irradiation was effective in decontaminating contaminated mesquite flour. The significance of furan formation and possible changes in flavor due to irradiation may need to be further examined.

How does electron beam irradiation dose affect the chemical and antioxidant profiles of wild dried Amanita mushrooms?

As with all mushrooms, Amanita species demonstrates several conservation problems, due to a post-harvest life limited to a few days. Drying is one of the most commonly used methods in mushroom preservation. Food irradiation is another possible way to improve food quality and insure its security. Among the emerging irradiation technologies, electron beam irradiation has wide applications, allowing for high throughput, wide flexibility and potential, without any negative effect on the environment. The effects of different electron beam irradiation doses in Amanita genus, were assessed by measuring the changes produced on a wide variety of nutritional, chemical and antioxidant indicators. The evaluated profiles indicated differences between non-irradiated and irradiated samples, however a high similarity was observed among different doses. This finding advises that the highest assayed dose (10 kGy) be applied, ensuring a higher effectiveness from a decontamination and disinfestation perspective, without having any stronger effects than those observed by the lower doses.

Effect of radiation on the nutritional and microbial qualities of salted and sun-dried Sharpfin barracuda (Sphyraena acutipinnis).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of low-dose gamma irradiation (5 kGy) on the nutritional and microbial qualities of sun dried fin fish, Sharpfin barracuda (Sphyraena acutipinnis). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Salted and sun-dried S. acutipinnis with 25.8% moisture content were exposed to total body irradiation with a dose of 5 kGy. Control groups were non-irradiated and both the control and irradiated samples were stored under ambient temperature. One week after irradiation, the control and irradiated samples were analyzed for nutritional, microbial and organoleptic properties. The data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The proximate composition and quality parameters like free fatty acid (FFA), Trimethyl amine nitrogen (TMA-N) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) were significantly different (p < 0.05). The organoleptic qualities of the irradiated fish products were good. Total bacterial count was reduced, whereas Salmonella, Vibrio and fungi were totally eliminated after irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: The irradiation helps to improve the quality and safety of sun-dried fishes. The process would not only reduce the risk resulting from pathogens but also would destroy many of the spoilage agents like bacteria, insects, parasites, moulds and yeasts which are known to be the main cause of food losses in developing countries.

Analytical screening studies on irradiated food packaging.

Foods may be irradiated in their final packaging and this process may affect the composition of the packaging and in turn affect the migration of substances into food. Headspace and liquid injection GC-MS and HPLC with time-of-flight MS have been used to identify and estimate levels of radiolytic products in irradiated finished plastic packaging materials. Fifteen retail packaging materials were studied. Investigations were carried out into the effect of different irradiation types (gamma and electron beam), irradiation doses (1, 3, 7 and 10 kGy) and dose rates (5 kGy s(-1) for electron beam and 0.4 and 1.85 kGy h(-1) for gamma) on the radiolytic products. Any differences seen in comparing the two ionising radiation types were attributed largely to the very different dose rates; for electron beam a 10 kGy dose was delivered in just 2 s whereas using gamma it took 5.4 h. Differences were also seen when comparing the same samples irradiated at different doses. Some substances were not affected by irradiation, others decreased in concentration and others were formed upon increasing doses of irradiation. These results confirm that irradiation-induced changes do occur in substances with the potential to migrate and that the safety of the finished packaging material following irradiation should be assessed.

Investigation of radiation-induced free radicals and luminescence properties in fresh pomegranate fruits.

Radiation-induced free radicals and luminescence properties were investigated in γ-irradiated (0-3 kGy) pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) fruits. Photostimulated luminescence (PSL) analysis showed limited applicability, and only 3 kGy-irradiated pomegranates showed positive PSL values (>5000 PCs). Thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve features, such as intensity and the presence of maximum glow peak in radiation-specific temperature range (150-250 °C), provided definite proof of irradiation, and the TL ratios (TL1/TL2) also confirmed the reliability of TL results. Scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis of the separated minerals showed that feldspar and quartz minerals were responsible for the luminescence properties. Radiation-induced cellulose radicals were detected in the seeds and rinds by ESR analysis. The ESR results were better in freeze-dried samples than in alcohol-extracted ones. A positive correlation was found between the ESR and TL signal intensities and irradiation doses; however, the most promising detection of the irradiation status was possible through TL analysis.