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Irradiation D-values for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella sp. on inoculated broccoli seeds and effects of irradiation on broccoli sprout keeping quality and seed viability.

Like alfalfa sprouts, broccoli sprouts can be a vehicle for bacterial pathogens, which can cause illness when they are consumed. The gamma irradiation process was used to reduce numbers of bacterial pathogens on broccoli sprouts and seeds, and the effect of this process on the seeds was studied. The irradiation destruct values for Salmonella sp. and for strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated on broccoli seeds were determined. Results obtained in this study indicate that a dose of 2 kGy reduced total background counts for broccoli sprouts from 10(6) to 10(7) CFU/g to 10(4) to 10(5) CFU/g and increased the shelf life of the sprouts by 10 days. Yield ratio (wt/wt), germination percentage, sprout length, and thickness were measured to determine the effects of various irradiation doses on the broccoli seeds. Results show a decreased germination percentage at a dose level of 4 kGy, whereas the yield ratio (wt/wt), sprout length, and thickness decreased at the 2-kGy dose level. The radiation doses required to inactivate Salmonella sp. and strains of E. coli O157:H7 were higher than previously reported values. D-values, dose required for a 1-log reduction, for the nonvegetable and vegetable Salmonella sp. isolates were 0.74 and 1.10 kGy, respectively. The values for the nonvegetable and vegetable isolated strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 were 1.43 and 1.11 kGy, respectively. With the irradiation process, a dose of up to 2 kGy can extend the shelf life of broccoli sprouts. A dose of > 2 kGy would have an adverse effect on the broccoli seed and decrease the yield of broccoli sprouts.

Brassica↗

Chemical and irradiation treatments for killing Escherichia coli O157:H7 on alfalfa, radish, and mung bean seeds.

In this study, the effectiveness of dry-heat treatment in combination with chemical treatments (electrolyzed oxidizing [EO] water, califresh-S, 200 ppm of active chlorinated water) with and without sonication in eliminating Escherichia coli O157:H7 on laboratory-inoculated alfalfa, radish, and mung bean seeds was compared with that of dry-heat treatment in combination with irradiation treatment. The treatment of mung bean seeds with EO water in combination with sonication followed by a rinse with sterile distilled water resulted in reductions of approximately 4.0 log10 CFU of E. coli O157:H7 per g. whereas reductions of ca. 1.52 and 2.64 log10 CFU/g were obtained for radish and alfalfa seeds. The maximum reduction (3.70 log10 CFU/g) for mung bean seeds was achieved by treatment with califresh-S and chlorinated water (200 ppm) in combination with sonication and a rinse. The combination of dry heat, hot EO water treatment, and sonication was able to eliminate pathogen populations on mung bean seeds but was unable to eliminate the pathogen on radish and alfalfa seeds. Other chemical treatments used were effective in greatly reducing pathogen populations on radish and alfalfa seeds without compromising the quality of the sprouts, but these treatments did not result in the elimination of pathogens from radish and alfalfa seeds. Moreover, a combination of dry-heat and irradiation treatments was effective in eliminating E. coli O157:H7 on laboratory-inoculated alfalfa, radish, and mung bean seeds. An irradiation dose of 2.0 kGy in combination with dry heat eliminated E. coli O157:H7 completely from alfalfa and mung bean seeds, whereas a 2.5-kGy dose of irradiation was required to eliminate the pathogen completely from radish seeds. Dry heat in combination with irradiation doses of up to 2.0 kGy did not unacceptably decrease the germination percentage for alfalfa seeds or the length of alfalfa sprouts but did decrease the lengths of radish and mung bean sprouts.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

Effect of gamma irradiation on microbial growth and sensory quality of fresh-cut lettuce.

Fresh-cut lettuce was irradiated and microbiological and sensory quality was examined during storage at 4 degrees C. Experimental results showed that the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria on fresh-cut lettuce irradiated with 1.0 kGy was reduced by 2.35 logs and sensory quality was maintained best during storage for 8 days at 4 degrees C. It was indicated that Gompertz model could predict the bacterial number on fresh-cut lettuce if the initial level was known.

Bacteria↗

Shelf life extension of minimally processed cabbage and cucumber through gamma irradiation.

The influence of irradiation of minimally processed cabbage and cucumber on microbial safety, texture, and sensory quality was investigated. Minimally processed, polyethylene-packed, and irradiated cabbage and cucumber were stored at refrigeration temperature (5 degrees C) for 2 weeks. The firmness values ranged from 3.23 kg (control) to 2.82 kg (3.0-kGy irradiated samples) for cucumbers, with a gradual decrease in firmness with increasing radiation dose (0 to 3 kGy). Cucumbers softened just after irradiation with a dose of 3.0 kGy and after 14 days storage, whereas the texture remained within acceptable limits up to a radiation dose of 2.5 kGy. The radiation treatment had no effect on the appearance scores of cabbage; however, scores decreased from 7.0 to 6.7 during storage. The appearance and flavor scores of cucumbers decreased with increasing radiation dose, and overall acceptability was better after radiation doses of 2.5 and 3.0 kGy. The aerobic plate counts per gram for cabbage increased from 3 to 5 log CFU (control), from 1.85 to 2.93 log CFU (2.5 kGy), and from a few colonies to 2.6 log CFU (3.0 kGy) after 14 days of storage at 5 degrees C. A similar trend was noted for cucumber samples. No coliform bacteria were detected at radiation doses greater than 2.0 kGy in either cabbage or cucumber samples. Total fungal counts per gram of sample were within acceptable limits for cucumbers irradiated at 3.0 kGy, and for cabbage no fungi were detected after 2.0-kGy irradiation. The D-values for Escherichia coli in cucumber and cabbage were 0.19 and 0.17 kGy, and those for Salmonella Paratyphi A were 0.25 and 0.29 kGy for cucumber and cabbage, respectively.

Brassica↗

Monocontamination of germ-free mice by a fastidious unidentified anaerobe.

Over a period of several months, 5 germ-free mouse isolators became monocontaminated with seemingly the same fastidious, anaerobic bacilli which defied identification. The organism originated in rodent diet which had been exposed to gamma-irradiation. However, it was discovered retrospectively that the irradiation doses had not been monitored, and subsequent monitoring showed the desired dose of 5 Mrad was not achieved in some parts of the load. Although inadequate sterilization was the likely cause of contamination it was not possible to explain why only this fastidious anaerobe survived the treatment, and not other more common bacterial contaminants.

Anaerobiosis↗

Effects of antioxidants on lipid peroxide formation in irradiated synthetic diets.

The effect of the antoxidants, vitamin E, propyl gallate (PG), 2-t-butyl-4-methoxy phenol (BHA), 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methoxy phenol (BHT), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and diphenyl-p-phenylene diamine (DPPD) in concentrations ranging between 0.001 per cent and 0.1 per cent have been tested on lipid peroxide formation in synthetic diet mixtures containing herring oil (10 per cent) mixed with starch (90 per cent) irradiated with gamma-ray doses of 100-2000 krad. On a weight basis NDGA, DPPD, BHA and BHT were most effective and vitamin E and propyl were least effective. An antioxidant concentration of 0.01 per cent normally protected against peroxide formation after a dose of 500 krad but if the dose was increased to 1000 or 2000 krad, much higher doses of antoxidant, up to 0.1 per cent, were required to give protection. Antioxidants prevented peroxide developing during post-irradiation storage even when added after irradiation. Antioxidants were partially or completely destroyed by irradiation with doses of 100 krad or more. The percentage of total antioxidant destroyed depended on the concentration; much greater destruction occurred in dilute solutions than in concentrated solutions. Vitamin E and propyl gallate were most sensitive whereas NDGA was relatively resistant. Antioxidant destruction was much enhanced if irradiation was carried out in presence of herring oil. Free radicals formed in unsaturated fatty acids of the herring oil are believed to be responsible. Lecithin and citric acid, which have been described as antioxidant synergists when added with vitamin E, caused a limited enhancement of its antioxidant action against radiation-induced peroxidation.

Antioxidants↗

Combined effects of coating, modified atmosphere packaging, and gamma irradiation on quality maintenance of ready-to-use carrots (Daucus carota).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an edible coating combined with modified atmosphere (MA; 60% O2, 30% CO2, and 10% N2) packaging and gamma irradiation on the microbiological stability and physicochemical quality of minimally processed carrots. A coating based on calcium caseinate and whey protein isolates was used. Coated and uncoated peeled minicarrots were packed under the MA or air (78.1% N2, 20.9% O2, and 0.036% CO2), irradiated at 0.5 or 1 kGy, and stored at 4 +/- 1 degrees C for 21 days. Samples were evaluated periodically for aerobic plates counts (APCs) and physicochemical properties (firmness, white discoloration, and whiteness index). Gamma irradiation did not significantly affect the physicochemical properties of the carrots (P > 0.05). Microbiological analysis revealed that for uncoated carrots irradiation at 0.5 and 1 kGy under air and MA reduced the APCs by 3.5 and 4 log CFU/g and by 4 and 4.5 log CFU/g, respectively. For coated carrots, irradiation at 0.5 and 1 kGy under air and MA reduced the APCs by 4 and 4.5 log CFU/g and by 3 and 4.25 log CFU/g, respectively. The coating was able to protect carrots against dehydration during storage under air. Coating and irradiation at 1 kGy were also able to protect carrot firmness during storage under air. MA packaging retarded whitening of uncoated carrots but had a detrimental effect on firmness. The edible coating used in this study did not significantly inhibit (P > 0.05) microbial growth on carrots.

Carbon Dioxide↗

Bioactive compounds of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Cv. Rio Red) respond differently to postharvest irradiation, storage, and freeze drying.

In the present study, the effect of irradiation, storage, and freeze drying on grapefruit bioactive compounds was investigated. Grapefruits were exposed to one of two irradiation doses: 0 (control) or 300 Gy (137Cs, a proposed treatment against fruit flies) and then stored for up to 6 days. At the last storage time point (6 days after harvest), grapefruit pulp from control and irradiated fruits was freeze-dried. Bioactive compounds were extracted from Rio Red grapefruit pulp and analyzed with reverse phase liquid chromatography while volatile compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography. Freeze-dried pulp from irradiated fruits had a higher (P < or = 0.05) flavonoid content (naringin and narirutin) as compared to the freeze-dried pulp from the control fruits. Freeze-drying treatment reduced (P < or = 0.05) the lycopene content, but the reduction (P < or = 0.05) in beta-carotene content occurred only in the control fruit. Reduction in d-limonene and myrcene was observed in the irradiated fruits at 6 days after harvest and in the freeze-dried samples. These results warrant testing of the effect of postharvest treatments and processing on bioactive compounds in functional systems as they have varied effects on different bioactive compounds of grapefruit.

Ascorbic Acid↗

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE OF LIQUID NITROGEN ON RADIATION RESISTANCE OF SPORES OF CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM.

An apparatus consisting of a Dewar flask and a relay system controlling the flow of liquid nitrogen permitted the irradiation of samples in tin cans or Pyrex tubes at temperatures ranging from 0 +/- 1.5 C to -194 +/- 2 C. An inoculated pack comprising 320 cans of ground beef containing 5 x 10(4) spores of Clostridium botulinum 33A per can (10 cans per radiation dose) was irradiated with Co(60) at 0 and -196 C. Incubation was carried out at 30 C for 6 months. Approximately 0.9 Mrad more radiation was required to inactivate the spores at -196 C than at 0 C. Cans irradiated at -196 C showed partial spoilage at 3.6 Mrad and no spoilage at 3.9 Mrad; the corresponding spoilage-no spoilage doses at 0 C were 2.7 and 3.0, respectively. The majority of positive cans swelled in 2 to 14 days; occasional swelling occurred as late as 20 days. At progressively higher doses, swelling was delayed proportionally to the radiation dose received. The remaining nonswollen cans had no toxin after 6 months of storage, although occasional cans contained very low numbers of viable spores comprising on the average 0.1% of the original spore inoculum. The D(10) values in phosphate buffer were 0.290 Mrad for 0 C and 0.396 Mrad for -196 C; in ground beef, the corresponding D(10) values were 0.463 Mrad and 0.680 Mrad, respectively. These D(10) values indicate that the lethal effect of gamma rays decreased at -196 C as compared with 0 C by 13.5% in phosphate buffer, and by 47% in ground beef.

Animals↗

Use of gamma-irradiation to reduce high levels of Staphylococcus aureus on casein-whey protein coated moist beef biltong.

Moist beef biltong strips (mean moisture content = 53.6%, NaCl content = 1.91% and a(w) = 0.979) was inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 9441 (10(6)-10(7) cfu/g), or sprayed with distilled water (non-inoculated controls). Both non-inoculated and inoculated biltong strips were coated with a casein-whey protein (1:1) edible coating followed by irradiation to a target dose of 4 kGy. S. aureus, aerobic plate, yeast and mould counts were performed to determine the effect of gamma-irradiation and the edible coating on inoculated S. aureus and the spoilage flora of the biltong. Moisture and NaCl content, a(w) and pH measurements were also performed. None of the intrinsic properties were affected to a practically significant extent. Irradiation reduced all microbial counts (P < 0.05), i.e. inoculated S. aureus (6 log cycles), aerobic plate count (5-6 log cycles) and yeast and mould counts (1-2 log cycles). Irradiation at 4 kGy is thus effective to ensure safety of moist beef biltong, and provided that initial fungal counts are not excessive, may extend the shelf-life. The edible coating had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on microbial counts, possibly because the high moisture content of the biltong diminished its oxygen barrier properties.

Animals↗

Irradiated versus fumigated spices in sausage.

The efficacy of gamma radiation and ethylene oxide fumigation as decontaminating treatments for spices used in sausages was compared. Microbial loads of sausages containing irradiated, fumigated or non-treated spices were examined over three intervals of time. No significant differences between microbial loads of Mexican sausages containing irradiated spices (10 kGy) verses ethylene oxide-treated spices were found. Mexican sausages containing treated spices had significantly lower yeast, mould and spore counts than control sausages. After 8 weeks of storage, only the microbial loads of control sausages suggested spoilage. No discernable differences in treatment efficacy were noted with respect to yeast, mould and spore counts in Italian sausages.

Food Handling↗

Effects of gamma irradiation on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes and on its growth at refrigeration temperature in poultry and red meat.

Gamma irradiation sensitivity of a strain of Listeria monocytogenes was determined in trypticase soy broth supplemented with yeast extract (TSB-YE), in a slurry of chicken breast meat and in raw ground beef. D10 values in these different media were 0.364, 0.599, and 0.699 kGy, respectively. This organism appeared most sensitive in TSB-YE, more resistant in minced fresh chicken breast meat, and most resistant in fresh minced beef. It was found that irradiation at 2.5 kGy prior to refrigeration is an efficient way for the preservation of meat products contaminated at 10(3) to 10(4) per gram initial load of L. monocytogenes for about 7 d. However, with this initial load, the injured cells might repair themselves and cause a health hazard during storage at 4 C in the presence of air after 7 d.

Animals↗

Evaluation of hot water and electron beam irradiation for reducing Fusarium infection in malting barley.

The use of Fusarium-infected barley for malting may lead to mycotoxin production and decreased product quality. Physical methods for the treatment of Fusarium-infected barley may prevent these safety and quality defects and allow the use of otherwise good quality barley. Hot water and electron beam irradiation were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing Fusarium infection while maintaining germinative energy in barley samples. Hot-water treatments involved temperatures of 45, 50. 55, and 60 degrees C and treatment times of 0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 min. Electron beam irradiation involved doses ranging from 0 to 11.4 kGy. Treatment with water at 45 degrees C for 15 min resulted in a reduction in Fusarium infection from 32 to 1% after 15 min, with only a very slight reduction in germination. Treatment with water at 50 degrees C for 1 min resulted in a reduction in Fusarium infection from 32 to 2%, and no effect on germination was observed for up to 5 min of treatment. At higher water temperatures. Fusarium infection was essentially eliminated, but germination was also severely reduced. Electron beam irradiation of Fusarium-infected barley reduced Fusarium infection at doses of >4 kGy, and a slight increase in germination for dry samples was observed with doses of 6 to 8 kGy. Doses of >10 kGy significantly decreased germination. Physical methods may have potential for the treatment of Fusarium-infected malting barley.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

Effect of irradiation, packaging, and postirradiation cooking on the thiamin content of chicken meat.

The effect of irradiation with X rays or electrons, irradiation and storage temperature, and postirradiation cooking on the thiamin content of vacuum- or air-packaged minced chicken meat was examined. Samples irradiated with 3-kGy X rays (50 Gy/min) or electrons (5 kGy/min) contained less thiamin than the control specimens, but no differences between both irradiation methods were detected. The thiamin content in samples stored and/or irradiated at 5 degrees C was between 13 and 24 microg per 100-g product lower than in samples stored and/or ionized at -18 degrees C. The same difference in thiamin content was found for specimens packaged in a vacuum or air package, respectively. Vacuum packaging lead to a greater loss of drip than air-packaged samples. The biggest loss of thiamin, 31.1 and 28.0% for X rays and electron beams, respectively, was measured for vacuum-packaged specimens stored and irradiated at 5 degrees C. Compared with the cooked minced chicken breast meat, a higher thiamin content (6 to 17 microg of thiamin per 100-g product) was obtained for the raw samples. When irradiation and vacuum packaging were compared as two separate preservation techniques, the two methods had approximately the same effect on the thiamin content of the minced chicken meat. The mean temperature of the samples after cooking was 87.2 +/- 4.9 degrees C. However, significant differences in internal temperature after cooking of the samples were measured between air- and vacuum-packaged samples.

Animals↗

Improving the microbiological quality and safety of fresh-cut tomatoes by low-dose electron beam irradiation.

The effect of electron beam irradiation on microbiological quality and safety of fresh-cut tomatoes was studied. Fresh tomatoes were obtained from a local supplier and then cut into cubes that were separated from the stem scars. Both cubes and stem scars were inoculated with a rifampin-resistant strain of either Salmonella Montevideo or Salmonella Agona, separated into treatment groups, and treated by electron beam irradiation at 0.0 (control), 0.7, or 0.95 kGy. The effect of electron beam irradiation on Salmonella, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and mold counts and pH of tomato cubes and stem scars was determined over a 15-day storage period at 4 degrees C. Results indicated that although irradiation treatment significantly reduced most microbial populations on tomato samples, there were no differences in the reduction of microbial populations between treatments of 0.7 and 0.95 kGy. Irradiation at either dose resulted in a significant reduction in Salmonella when compared with the control (P < 0.05). Lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and molds were more resistant to irradiation than were Salmonella. No differences were detected between the two Salmonella serotypes in response to irradiation treatment. These results indicate that irradiation at doses of at least 0.7 kGy can be used for pathogen reduction in fresh-cut tomatoes. If the use of doses greater than 1 kGy were approved, this technology might be very effective for use in fresh-cut tomatoes to eliminate significant populations of pathogens and to ensure the microbial quality of the product.

Consumer Product Safety↗

Effect of electron-beam irradiation on the safety and quality of Fusarium-infected malting barley.

Utilization of Fusarium-infected barley for malting may lead to mycotoxin production during malting and decreased malt quality. Electron-beam irradiation may prevent safety and quality defects and allow use of otherwise good quality barley. We evaluated electron-beam irradiation for preventing Fusarium growth and mycotoxin production while maintaining barley-malt quality characteristics. Four barley lots with varying deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations were irradiated at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kGy. Treated barley was malted in a pilot-scale malting unit. Barley and malt were analyzed for Fusarium infection (FI), germinative energy (GE), aerobic plate counts (APC), mold and yeast counts (MYC), and DON. Malt quality parameters included malt extract, soluble protein, wort color, wort viscosity, free amino nitrogen, alpha-amylase, and diastatic power. FI, APC, and MYC decreased in barley with an increase in dosage. The APC and MYC for malts from barley exposed to 8-10 kGy were slightly higher than in other malted samples indicating that irradiation-resistant microflora could flourish during malting. Barley GE significantly decreased (3-15%) at 8-10 kGy. Although irradiation had no effect on DON in raw barley, DON decreased significantly (60-100%) in finished malts prepared from treated barley (6-10 kGy). Malt quality parameters were slightly affected by electron-beam radiation. The results suggest 6-8 kGy may be effective for reducing FI in barley and DON in malt with minimal effects on malt quality.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

Combining pediocin with postpackaging irradiation for control of Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters.

Frankfurters, in 1-link, 5-link, or 10-link packages, were surface inoculated with a five-strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes (3.40 or 5.20 log CFU/g) after treatment with 3,000 arbitrary units (AU) or 6,000 AU of pediocin (in ALTA 2341) per link. The frankfurters were vacuum packaged, after which the 1-link and 5-link packages were irradiated at 1.2 or 2.3 kGy and the 10-link packages were irradiated at 1.4 or 3.5 kGy. L. monocytogenes was enumerated following the treatments. Selected treatments were subsequently evaluated during storage at 4, 10, and 25 degrees C for up to 12 weeks. Combination of pediocin with postpackaging irradiation at 1.2 kGy or more was necessary to achieve a 50% reduction of L. monocytogenes on frankfurters in 1-link or 5-link packages. The combination of 6,000 AU of pediocin and irradiation at 2.3 kGy or more was effective in all package sizes for inhibition of the pathogen for 12 weeks at 4 or 10 degrees C. There was a synergistic effect between pediocin and irradiation for inhibition of L. monocytogenes. Storage at 4 degrees C enhanced the antilisterial effects of the treatment combinations, with little or no growth of the pathogen in 1-link or 5-link packages during 12 weeks of storage. In general, these treatments did not affect the sensory quality of frankfurters.

Animals↗

Low-dose irradiation as a measure to improve microbial quality of ice cream.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of low-dose irradiation to improve the microbial safety of ice cream. Initially three different flavors (vanilla, strawberry and chocolate) of ice cream were exposed, at -72 degrees C, to doses of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 30 kGy to gamma-radiation. Irradiation at 1 kGy resulted in reduction of microbial population by one log cycle, thus meeting the requirement limits prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards. Pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes 036, Yersinia enterocoliticta 5692 and Escherichia coli O157:H19, respectively, showed the D10 values 0.38, 0.15 and 0.2 kGy in ice cream at -72 degrees C suggesting the efficacy of low doses (1 kGy) in eliminating them. Sensory evaluation studies of ice cream irradiated at 1, 2, 3 and 5 kGy by a 15 member panel demonstrated that doses higher than 2 kGy irradiation induced off-odour and an aftertaste was evident in vanilla ice cream. A radiation dose of 1 kGy was sufficient to eliminate the natural number of pathogens present in the ice cream. No statistically significant differences were observed in the sensory attributes of all the three flavours of ice cream either unirradiated or exposed to 1 kGy (P < 0.05).

Colony Count, Microbial↗