food irradiation :)
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PROS AND CONS OF FOOD IRRADIATIONTRANSCRIPT
FOOD IRRADIATION
By: Palwinder, Kaarina, AmanuelCHEM & BIOSCIENCES TECHNOLOGY RED RIVER COLLEGE WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA
WHAT IS FOOD IRRADIATION?
Food irradiation is a cold, non-chemical process that exposes food to ionizing radiation that can penetrate food to kill, or prevent reproduction of microorganisms, insects and pests.
Insects require a lot less irradiation than bacteria and viruses.
Many different types of food preservation alter the taste and appearance of food.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF FOOD IS IRRADIATED?
All irradiated food must be labelled.
WHY SHOULD WE IRRADIATE FOODS?
To decrease the growing food-borne illness rate.
The control of ripening, sprouting and insect damage.
Along with other preserving technologies there are advantages and disadvantages.
ADVANTAGES OF IRRADIATION OF FOOD
PATHOGEN REDUCTION
Generate short-lived and transient radicals (e.g. the hydroxyl radical, the hydrogen atom and solvated electrons).
That in turn damages the bonds in the DNA molecules, causing disruption in the genetic makeup of microbes beyond its ability to repair.
The target organism ceases all the processes of maturation and reproduction.
SHELF LIFE EXTENSION
Low doses of radiation (up to 1 kGy) can prolong the shelf-life of many fruits and vegetables.
For example: Irradiating strawberries extends their refrigerated shelf-life to up to three weeks without decay or shrinkage, versus three to five days for untreated berries.
Moreover irradiation also causes delay in sprouting and ripeningadding to shelf-life.
INSECT DISINFESTATION
Irradiation of spices, herbs, and dry vegetable seasonings.
It is an alternative to the use of chemicals or fumigants, such as ethylene oxide and methyl bromide.
Moreover unlike chemicals, irradiation does not leave any residuals that can lead toreinfestation.
STERLIZATION Irradiation can also be used to sterilize food, which
can then be stored for years without refrigeration. Sterilized food are used in hospitals for patients with
severely impaired immune systems, such as patients with AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.
Did you know?National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts eat meat that has been sterilized by irradiation to avoid getting foodborne illnesses when they fly in space.
IRRADIATION OF MEAT AND POULTRY
Treating raw meat and poultry at slaughter plant with high doses of irradiation can cause elimination of E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
Irradiation of animal feeds could also prevent the spread of Salmonella and other pathogens to livestock through feeds.
PRESERVATION
Unlike canning using irradiation to preserve foods requires no additional liquid, nor does it cause the loss of natural juices.
Destruction of microbes or any other living cells in food makes it spoilage and decomposition free.
DISADVANTAGES OF FOOD IRRADIATION
Irradiated foods may form chemical products called “radiolytic products”
Irradiation cannot be used with all foods. It can causes undesirable flavor and texture changes
Food irradiation can destroy bacterial spores but is not effective against viruses
Unknown long-term effects on human health
Increased consumer cost- Irradiated meats cost approximately 3 to 5 cents more a pound than non-irradiated meat
Prices of irradiated foods are expected to decrease
Food irradiation reduces the nutritional content of foods
IN CONCLUSION
Food irradiation can help decrease the recent increases in food-borne illnesses regardless of the prices, and possible side effects
CITATIONS http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/aamu/Alysia/Irr0139.htm
http://www.mercola.com/article/irradiated/irradiated_research.htm
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/irradiation/
http://www.sustainabletable.org/728/food-irradiation
http://www.cna.ca/nuclear_facts/food_irradiation/
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/factsheet/food-irradiation-and-vitamin-loss/
http://www.sustainable-city.org/articles/irradiat.htm
http://rense.com/general81/foodr.htm
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/food-irradiation----a-gift-horse-178326491.html
http://uw-food-irradiation.engr.wisc.edu/Facts.html
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Food_irradiation