Cold pasteurization or else irradiation is a controversial food preservation method.Here presenter discusses about myths, benefits and drawbacks of this method.

1. Cold Pasteurization of
Foods
Upani Pinnaduwa
Department of Food Science & Technology
University of Peradeniya

2. What is cold pasteurization????

3. • Commonly known as food irradiation…
• Process of exposing food to a controlled
source of ionizing radiation for the purpose of
reduction of microbial load, destruction of
pathogens and extension of product’s shelf life.

4. Science of food irradiation….
• Gamma rays
Cobalt-60
Cesium-137
• Beta rays (E beams)
• X- rays

5. Does irradiation make food radio
active????

6. • Process involves passing the food through
irradiated field...
• Food never get contaminated with radio
active substances
• Ionizing radiation use in the process is not
strong enough to make the food radio active.

7. Finding the optimal dose….
• Maximum dose that can be applied for food is
10kGy.
• It enhances the safety, shelf life of the product
without adverse sensory effects..
• Determining the optimal dose would be
difficult for the products with irregular shapes,
uneven texture and density.

8. Permitted food for irradiation…
• Packaged refrigerated or frozen red meat
• Packaged poultry — control pathogens
(Salmonella and Camplylobacter)
• Fresh fruits, vegetables and grains
• Pork — to control trichinosis
• White potatoes — to inhibit sprout
development.
• Dry or dehydrated enzyme preparations — to
control microorganisms

9. Benefits of irradiation…
• Prevention of food borne diseases
• Preservation (destroy spoilage bacteria)
• Extend the shelf life
• Delay sprouting and ripening
• Control of insects
• Remove allergens

10. Drawbacks….
• Nutrient and vitamin losses
• Sensory changes
• Production of radiolytic substances
• Misuse to avoid plant sanitation
• Consumer acceptance and myths

11. Regulations…
• FDA labeling requirements call for
inclusion of the radura, which is
the symbol developed to signify a
food having been irradiated. Also,
the words “treated with radiation”
or “treated by irradiation” must be
printed on the package, unless the
word “irradiated” is part of the
product name.

12. Thank You!!!!!