Gamma irradiation as a means to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes from frozen chicken meat

Cells of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 35152 were sensitive to gamma irradiation in phosphate buffer, pH 7.00 (D₁₀, dose required for 10% survival—0.15 kGy) at 0–5°C. The cells showed higher radiation survival when irradiated under frozen condition, with a D₁₀ of 0.3 kGy. The protection offered by shrimp/chicken/kheema homogenates (100 g litre^?1) was evidenced by even higher D₁₀ values (0.5 kGy) at both 0–5°C and cryogenic temperature. Boneless chicken meat samples were artificially inoculated with L monocytogenes ATCC 35152 cells at low (5 × 10³) colony-forming unit (cfu) g^?1 and high (5 × 10⁶ cfu g^?1) concentrations and irradiated at 1, 3, 4, 6 kGy doses under cryogenic conditions. The efficacy of the radiation process was evaluated by detecting L monocytogenes during storage at 2–4°C in the irradiated samples. These studies, when repeated with three other serotypes of L monocytogenes, clearly suggested the need for a dose of 3 kGy for elimination of 10³ cfu cells of L monocytogenes g^?1 from air-packed frozen chicken meat.     

Influence of gamma irradiation on growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and quality of cig kofte, a traditional raw meat product

Cig kofte is a traditional Turkish food containing raw ground meat. Samples inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 were irradiated at 0.5–6 kGy with a ⁶⁰Co source and stored at 4 and 25 °C. Total aerobic mesophilic count decreased with increasing irradiation doses, D₁₀ value was 0.83 kGy. Escherichia coli O157:H7 count decreased from 5.1 log₁₀ CFU g^?1 to an undetectable level (<1 log₁₀ CFU g^?1) after 1‐day storage at 4 °C following irradiation at 2 kGy, D₁₀‐value was 0.29 kGy. Irradiation doses up to 2 kGy did not affect sensory quality after 1 day. There was colour loss in samples irradiated at 2 kGy or above and stored for longer periods. Storage of the irradiated products at abused temperature must be avoided for safety assurance. Irradiation at 2 kGy has a great potential for extending the shelf‐life of cig kofte and assuring safety by decreasing the number of E. coli O157:H7 and other bacteria, but further studies with suitable package designs are needed to decrease quality degradation during extended storage.     

Physicochemical Properties of Waxy and Normal Maize Starches Irradiated at Various pH and Salt Concentrations

Waxy and normal maize starches of various pH values and salt contents were prepared, irradiated with gamma rays (5–20 kGy) and their molecular structure, pasting viscosity and rheological properties determined. Average molar mass and size of both waxy and normal maize starches decreased considerably by irradiation from >338.0×10⁶ to <39.4×10⁶ g/mol and from >237.5 to <125.2 nm, respectively. Adjustments of pH had little influence on the average molar mass and size of irradiated starch, whereas incorporation of salt greatly reduced the molar mass and size of irradiated waxy and normal maize starches. As the pH increased from 4 to 8, the pasting viscosity of the irradiated starches decreased from 1032 to 279 mPa s in waxy and from 699 to 381 mPa s in normal starches. Pasting viscosity of both irradiated waxy and normal starch decreased from 689 to 358 mPa s and from 327 to 184 mPa s as the salt concentration increased from 1 to 5%. The G′ of gels, determined during cooling from 90 to 10°C or storage for 8 h, decreased in irradiated waxy and normal starches by pre‐conditioning at pH 8 and in irradiated waxy starches by pre‐conditioning at 5% NaCl. With 5% NaCl, G′ of irradiated normal maize starch during cooling increased up to the irradiation level of 10 kGy, and increased during storage for 8 h at all levels of irradiation. Incorporated salt prior to irradiation appears to induce incremental modifications in the molecular structure, rheological and retrogradation properties of starch by boosting the degradation of molecules.     

Gamma-Irradiation Affects Some Physical Properties of Dry Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Starch

Gamma-irradiated great northern (GN) bean starch (2.5–20 kGy) showed apparent increased susceptibility to central fissures. Bean damage during scanning electron microscopy was observed using ≥400OX magnification on GN bean starch samples. Approximate molecular weights estimated by gel filtration chromatography Sepharose Cl-2B of control GN bean starch were: amylopectin >2×10⁶ and amylose 2×10⁵. Amylose-like fraction of irradiated bean starch (20 kGy) revealed two peaks ～6.9×10⁴ and 1.5×10⁵ daltons. Differential scanning calorimetry showed an increase in gelatinization enthalpy and a small increase in gelatinization peak temperature at 20 kGy suggesting a reorganization of the crystalline and amorphous phases of the starch granule.     

Low gamma irradiation of raw meat. II. Bacteriological effects on samples from butcheries

One hundred and twenty samples of raw ground meat, a component of ‘filet américain’ consumed raw in some European countries, were investigated, both directly and after gamma irradiation with a dose of 1 kGy. Moreover, the meat was checked serologically for presence of other type beside beef.Salmonella were isolated from 23 (19.2%) non-irradiated samples, MPN counts ranged from 40 to 2 × 10³ organisms/100 g. Only 1 sample was Salmonella-positive after irradiation, at an amount of 2.3 × 10²/100 g.Yersinia enterocolitica was found in 60 (50%) samples of raw meat but this organism was not isolated from irradiated samples.From none of the investigated samples of raw meat could Campylobacter jejuni be isolated.The average reduction after irradiation of the total aerobic count and Enterobacteriaceae was 2.18 and 4.00 log cycles, respectively.In 5 of 120 samples of raw ground meat intended for preparation of filet américain the presence of pork was demonstrated.Based on the results of this study it may be concluded that irradiation of raw meat with a dose of 1 kGy eliminated of reduced some pathogens of public health concern to acceptable levels.     

Antibacterial Activity of Ozone‐Depolymerized Crawfish Chitosan

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial activities of chitosan samples with different molecular weights (1333, 432, 201, 131, and 104 kDa) prepared by ozone treatment were examined against 2 Gram‐positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) and 2 Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fluorescen) to investigate the effect of chitosan's molecular weight and concentration on the inhibition of bacterial growth. Antimicrobial activity of chitosan varied depending on the molecular weight, concentration of chitosan, and type of microorganism. Generally, the effectiveness of the chitosans significantly increased with increasing chitosan concentration, regardless of molecular size and types of bacteria. Chitosan with molecular weights ranging from 104 to 201 kDa showed relatively greater antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and P. fluorescen; whereas for E. coli, intermediate molecular weight chitosan was more effective in growth inhibition than lower or higher molecular weight chitosan particularly at 0.1% concentration.     

The effect of sterilizing doses of γ-irradiation on the molecular weight and emulsification properties of gum arabic

Experiments were performed on raw, kibbled and spray-dried gum arabic. Microbiological tests showed that following a radiation dose of 10 kGy the contaminating micro-organisms were effectively inactivated. The average molecular weight of kibbled and spray dried gum arabic was shown by viscosity measurements to be somewhat reduced as the result of γ-irradiation. No significant radiation-induced changes in the molecular weight of raw gum arabic could be detected. The yields of radiolytically produced strand breaks (breaks/100 eV of radiation absorbed) have been calculated for spray-dried [G(strand breaks) = 4.1 × 10⁻¹] and for kibbled [G(strand breaks) = 2.9 × 10⁻¹]. Gel permeation chromatography confirmed this order of radiation stability and indicated that gum arabic consists of at least three major components, the larger molecular weight fraction appearing to be the more radiation sensitive. There was no measurable change in the total hexuronic acid content (20%) of any of the samples on γ-irradiation. Finally, measurements showed no adverse effect of γ-irradiation, even up to doses of 30 kGy, on the ability of the gum arabic to stabilize emulsions. The extent of chemical change induced by irradiation with sterilizing doses has no practical adverse significance and demonstrates that this technique is suitable for processing raw gum arabic samples.     

ELECTRON BEAM IRRADIATION,OXYGEN, AND TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON NUCLEOTIDE DEGRADATION IN STORED AQUACULTURE HYBRID STRIPED BASS FILLETS1

Skinless fillets from commercially-grown aquaculture hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops) were electron beam-irradiated in the presence of air or vacuum-packaged and stored at 4C and -20C for 14 days. A mean low dose level of 2.0 or 3.0 kGy (± 0.5 kGy) and high dose level of 20 kGy (± 4 kGy) were used for irradiated samples. Hypoxanthine (Hx) concentrations, K_i- values {[(1NO + Hx)/(IMP + INO + Hx)] × 100}, and H-values {[(Hx)/(IMP + INO + Hx)] × 100} indicated that irradiation did not influence the rate of nucleotide degradation compared with nonirradiated controls at either refrigerated or frozen temperatures. Vacuum packaging or freezing of stored samples resulted in lower H-values and Hx contents compared with nonirradiated controls regardless of irradiation treatment.     

Efficacy of Integrated Treatment of UV light and Low‐Dose Gamma Irradiation on Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica on Grape Tomatoes

The study evaluated the efficacy of integrated ultraviolet‐C light (UVC) and low‐dose gamma irradiation treatments to inactivate mixed strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica on inoculated whole grape tomatoes. A mixed bacterial cocktail composed of a 3 strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 (C9490, E02128, and F00475) and a 3 serotype mixture of S. enterica (S. Montevideo G4639, S. Newport H1275, and S. Stanley H0558) was used based on their association with produce‐related outbreaks. Spot inoculation (50 to 100 μmL) on tomato surfaces was performed to achieve a population of appropriately 10^7–8 CFU/tomato. Inoculated tomatoes were subjected to UVC (253.7 nm) dose of 0.6 kJ/m² followed by 4 different low doses of gamma irradiations (0.1 kGy, 0.25 kGy, 0.5 kGy, 0.75 kGy). The fate of background microflora (mesophilic aerobic) including mold and yeast counts were also determined during storage at 5 °C over 21 d. Integrated treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the population of target pathogens. Results indicate about 3.4 ± 0.3 and 3.0 ± 0.1 log CFU reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica, respectively, per tomato with UVC (0.6 kJ/m²) and 0.25 kGy irradiation. More than a 4 log and higher reduction (>5 log) per fruit was accomplished by combined UVC treatment with 0.5 kGy and 0.75 kGy irradiation, respectively, for all tested pathogens. Furthermore, the combined treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the native microflora compared to the control during storage. The data suggest efficacious treatment strategy for produce indicating 5 or higher log reduction which is consistent with the recommendations of the Natl. Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods.     

Characterization of Physical Properties of Flour and Starch Obtained from Gamma‐Irradiated White Rice

Physical and structural characteristics of rice flour and starch obtained from gamma‐irradiated white rice were determined. Pasting viscosities of the rice flour and starch, analyzed by using a Rapid Visco Analyser, decreased continuously with the increase in irradiation dosage. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that gelatinization onset, peak and conclusion temperatures of rice flour and starch changed slightly but the enthalpy change decreased significantly with increase of irradiation dosage. All irradiated starch displayed an A‐type X‐ray diffraction pattern like the native starch. Gel permeation chromatography showed that the blue value ratio of the first peak (amylopectin) to the second one (amylose) decreased with the increase of the irradiation dosage. The weight‐average molecular weight (M_w) and gyration radius (R_z) of amylopectin analyzed by using HPSEC‐MALLS‐RI (high‐performance size‐exclusion chromatography equipped with multiangle laser‐light scattering and refractive index detector) decreased gradually from 1.48×10⁹ (M_w) and 384.1 nm (R_z) of native rice starch to 2.36×10⁸ (M_w) and 236.8 nm of 9 kGy‐irradiated starch. The branch chain‐length distribution of amylopectins determined by HPAEC‐ENZ‐PAD (high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with amyloglucosidase post‐column on‐line reactor and pulsed amperometric detector) showed that gamma irradiation had no significant effect on the amylopectin branch chains with 13≤DP≤24 and 37≤DP, but produced more branch chains with 6≤DP≤12 when the irradiation dosage was less than 9 kGy. It might be deduced that gamma irradiation caused the breakage of the amylopectin chains at the amorphous regions, but had little effects on the crystalline regions of starch granules, especially at low dosage irradiation.     

Effect of electron beam irradiation on the functional properties and antioxidant activity of wheat germ protein hydrolysates

In this paper, the effects of electron beam irradiation (EBI) on wheat germ protein hydrolysates (WGPHs) were investigated. The functional properties of WGPHs were enhanced by EBI, with the emulsifying capacity reaching its maximum value at 10 kGy. Moreover, foaming capacity reached its maximum value at 25 kGy. Additionally, EBI can enhance the antioxidant activity of WGPHs, and a dose-dependent effect was observed. Hydrolysates irradiated at 50 kGy had the greatest antioxidant activity; the DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activities increased by 45.77% and 52.52%, respectively, compared to the non-irradiated sample. Additionally, surface hydrophobicity reached its minimum value at 10 kGy. After 10 kGy of irradiation, the fraction of hydrolysates with a molecular weight <1 kDa increased from 88.34% to 90.23%. Irradiation caused the surface morphology to become uneven, and it produced smaller peptides.     

Molecular Distribution and Pasting Properties of UV-Irradiated Corn Starches

Suspension (30 %, w/w) of corn starch (25 % amylose) in water was irradiated by UV-light with wavelength greater than 250 nm at 25°C, under a stream of nitrogen or air, for time intervals ranging from 5 to 25 h. Effects of the irradiation on the transition enthalpy and temperature for melting, and the pasting viscosity profile of the irradiated starch were examined. Weight-average molecular weight (M_w) and radius of gyration (R_g) of the irradiated starch molecules were measured by high performance size exclusion chromatography coupled with multiangle laser light scattering and differential refractive index detectors (HPSEC-MALLS-RI). In the case of starch irradiated under nitrogen, the transition enthalpy (ΔH) decreased with increasing irradiation time whereas the melting temperature was not changed. Similarly, the peak paste viscosity (P_v) decreased from 97 to 56 RVU by 25 h irradiation. Average M_w and R_g of amylopectin and amylose fractions, which were 93 × 10⁶ and 144 nm, and 2.0 × 10⁶ and 104 nm, respectively, were decreased by irradiation to 32.2 × 10⁶ and 93.7 nm, and 0.7 × 10⁶ and 83.6 nm by the irradiation for 15 h under nitrogen, respectively. When the starch was irradiated with aeration, sharp drops of all measured parameters were observed in 5 h of irradiation (ΔH 11.4 J/g, P_v 53.2 RVU, amylopectin M_w 50 × 10⁶). After 15 h under air, however, all measured values increased (ΔH 16.8 J/g, P_v 65.5 RVU, amylopectin M_w 63.1 × 10⁶). Molecular size distribution profiles confirmed oxidative the photodegradation in the early stage (up to 5 h), and cross-linking reactions in the late stage (5—15 h) of irradiation under aeration.     

Assessment of Microbiological Quality of Some Gamma Irradiated Indian Spices

Irradiated (10 kGy) and unirradiated pre-packed whole and ground spices including black pepper, red chilli, and turmeric were examined by six different laboratories for microbiological quality. No colony forming units (CFU) were reported in the largest quantity of irradiated spices used in the study by three out of six laboratories. The other three laboratories reported counts ranging between 0–90 CFU/g in irradiated samples. None of the six laboratories reported the presence of E. coli or B. cereus in the spices exposed to gamma irradiation. These data suggest that a standard plate count of 0–100 CFU/g and a count of zero CFU/g for E. coli and B. cereus be fixed for spices exposed to a 10 kGy dose of gamma rays.     

Shelf‐life extension of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets by combined γ‐irradiation and refrigeration: microbiological,chemical and sensory changes

The combined effect of γ‐irradiation and refrigeration on the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets was studied by monitoring the microbiological, chemical and sensory changes of non‐irradiated and irradiated fish samples using low‐dose irradiation doses of 1 and 3 kGy. Fish species such as sea bream and sea bass are very popular in the Mediterranean countries due to their high quality characteristics, and their preservation is a constant challenge given their extreme perishability. Irradiation (3 kGy) dramatically reduced populations of bacteria, namely, total viable counts (3 vs 7 log cfu g^?1) for the non‐irradiated samples, Pseudomonas spp (<2 vs 7.6 log cfu g^?1), H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens (<2 vs 5.9 log cfu g^?1), Enterobacteriaceae (<2 vs 6.0 log cfu g^?1) and lactic acid bacteria (<2 vs 3.5 log cfu g^?1) after 10 days of storage. The effect was more pronounced at the higher dose (3 kGy). Lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens showed higher sensitivity to γ‐radiation than did the rest of the microbial species. Of the chemical indicators of spoilage, Trimethylamine (TMA) values of non‐irradiated sea bream increased very slowly, whereas for irradiated samples significantly lower values were obtained reaching a final value of 7.9 and 6.3 mg N per 100 g muscle at 1 and 3 kGy respectively (day 42). Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) values increased slowly attaining a value of 67.3 mg N per 100 g for non‐irradiated sea bream during refrigerated storage, whereas for irradiated fish, lower values of 52.8 and 43.1 mg N per 100 g muscle were recorded (day 42). Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values for irradiated sea bream samples were higher than respective non‐irradiated fish and increased slowly until day 21 of storage, reaching final values of 1.1 (non‐irradiated), 2.0 (1 kGy) and 2.2 mg malonaldehyde kg^?1 muscle (3 kGy), respectively (day 42). Sensory evaluation showed a good correlation with bacterial populations. On the basis of overall acceptability scores (sensory evaluation) a shelf‐life of 28 days (3 kGy) was obtained for vacuum‐packaged sea bream, compared with a shelf‐life of 9–10 days for the non‐irradiated sample. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effectiveness of electron beam irradiation for microbial decontamination of turmeric powder (Curcuma longa Linne) and analysis of curcuminoid degradation

The effectiveness of electron beam (EB) disinfection and sterilization technology when applied to turmeric powder (Curcuma longa Linne) was investigated. The bacteria in turmeric powder were sensitive to EB irradiation. From an initial turmeric aerobic bacterial count of 10⁷ colony‐forming units per gram (cfu/g), a microbial contamination level of below 1.0 × 10³ cfu/g was obtained at an absorbed dose of more than 7 kGy EB irradiation. EB irradiation at 10 kGy gave a contamination level of less than 10 cfu/g after 1 year of storage at room temperature. At the irradiation level necessary for decontamination of turmeric powder, the amount of dilute ethanol‐soluble extract from the sample was 9% greater than the level from a non‐irradiated turmeric powder. HPLC analysis of an irradiated sample indicated that EB radiolysis of curcuminoids was less than the level detectable by instrumental analysis.

Practical applications

Radiosterilization has been recognized as an effective method for controlling microorganisms and for extending the shelf life of food. In particular, EB irradiation is economically advantageous over gamma irradiation because of the higher EB dose rate. This study evaluates the use of 4.8 MeV EB radiation for the decontamination of turmeric powder for food additive and pharmaceutical uses. This method is found to be effective for sterilization and avoiding degradation of the yellow pigment components.     

Gamma Ray Processing to Destroy Staphylococcus aureus in Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat

Gamma radiation doses of 0.26 kGy and 0.36 kGy, administered in vacuo at 0°C, destroyed 90% of log-phase and stationary-phase colony forming units (CFU) of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 13565 (FDA 196E), respectively, in mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM). Samples inoculated with 10^3.9 CFU/g of S. aureus were treated with gamma radiation in vacuo at 0°C and then held for 20 hr at 35°C (abusive storage). Viable CFU were found in samples irradiated to 0.75 kGy but not in those irradiated to 1.50 kGy either before or after storage. Enterotoxin was not detected in irradiated MDCM. A predictive equation was developed for the response of S. aureus in MDCM to radiation dose and irradiation temperature.     

Effects of gamma irradiation on physical and chemical properties of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)

Changes in the physical and chemical properties of chickpeas gamma irradiated with ⁶⁰Co at doses of 0–50 kGy were investigated. Irradiation between 0 and 20 kGy had no significant effect on the hydration capacity of the chickpeas; however, increasing the dose from 20 to 50 kGy significantly decreased the hydration capacity owing to leaching of soluble compounds from the cotyledon to the water. There was an improvement in cooking quality (defined as degree of softness) with increased irradiation. Gelatinisation properties of the starch (measured with a Rapid Visco‐Analyser) exhibited a deterioration with increasing irradiation dose, while reversed phase HPLC identified a sequential decrease in low‐molecular‐weight protein composition with increasing irradiation dose. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of <Superscript>60</Superscript>Co-γ and Electron Beam Irradiation on Storage Quality of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax ginseng</Emphasis>

Fresh ginseng was irradiated with ⁶⁰Co-γ or an electron beam at the dose of 2 and 4 kGy and stored at 2 °C. The quality of ginseng was evaluated after 60 and 120 days. Results suggest that when the storage time was 120 days, 2 kGy EI-treated ginseng had the lowest decay rate. During the 2 storage periods, the amounts of most of 9 ginsenosides decreased with an increase in the irradiation dose. The total saponin content of both ⁶⁰Co-γ-irradiated and EI-treated samples decreased with an increase in the irradiation dose. Significant (P <?0.05) upregulation of total polysaccharide content was observed in the 4 kGy EI samples after storage. Samples irradiated at 2 or 4 kGy by electron beam irradiation had the highest concentration of total saponin and ginseng polysaccharides, respectively. Levels of most of 17 amino acids decreased with the increasing irradiation dose. Exposure to irradiation doses up to 4 kGy affected the amino acid content of fresh ginseng. Ginseng irradiated at 4 kGy by ⁶⁰Co-γ irradiation and stored for 120 days had a significantly higher activity of superoxide dismutase (P <?0.05). A significant difference was observed in the total concentration of nucleosides and nucleobases between irradiated and un-irradiated ginseng samples (P <?0.05). These data suggest that the combination of a lower irradiation dose and low temperature is an optimal condition for extending the shelf-life of fresh ginseng without detriment to its ingredients.     

Maintenance of safety and quality of refrigerated ready-to-cook seasoned ground beef product (meatball) by combining gamma irradiation with modified atmosphere packaging

Abstract: Meatballs were prepared by mixing ground beef and spices and inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. enteritidis before packaged in modified atmosphere (3% O₂+ 50% CO₂+ 47% N₂) or aerobic conditions. The packaged samples were irradiated at 0.75, 1.5, and 3 kGy doses and stored at 4 °C for 21 d. Survival of the pathogens, total plate count, lipid oxidation, color change, and sensory quality were analyzed during storage. Irradiation at 3 kGy inactivated all the inoculated (approximately 10⁶ CFU/g) S. enteritidis and L. monocytogenes cells in the samples. The inoculated (approximately 10⁶ CFU/g) E. coli O157:H7 cells were totally inactivated by 1.5 kGy irradiation. D¹⁰‐values for E. coli O157:H7, S. enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes were 0.24, 0.43, and 0.41 kGy in MAP and 0.22, 0.39, and 0.39 kGy in aerobic packages, respectively. Irradiation at 1.5 and 3 kGy resulted in 0.13 and 0.36 mg MDA/kg increase in 2‐thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) reaching 1.02 and 1.49 MDA/kg, respectively, on day 1. Irradiation also caused significant loss of color and sensory quality in aerobic packages. However, MAP effectively inhibited the irradiation‐induced quality degradations during 21‐d storage. Thus, combining irradiation (3 kGy) and MAP (3% O₂+ 50% CO₂+ 47% N₂) controlled the safety risk due to the potential pathogens and maintained qualities of meatballs during 21‐d refrigerated storage. Practical Application: Combined use of gamma irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can maintain quality and safety of seasoned ground beef (meatball). Seasoned ground beef can be irradiated at 3 kGy and packaged in MAP with 3% O₂+ 50% CO₂+ 47% N₂ gas mixture in a high barrier packaging materials. These treatments can significantly decrease risk due to potential pathogens including E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. enteritidis in the product. The MAP would reduce the undesirable effects of irradiation on quality, and extend the shelf life of the product for up to 21 d at 3 °C.     

Changes in the colour and the acidity number of egg yolk upon irradiation

Eggs from laying hens were irradiated using radioactive Co-60 at a dose of 1 kGy, 2.5 kGy, and 5 kGy, with a dose input of 3.21 kGy h^–1. Parameters describing the colour of egg yolk such as L*, a*, and b*, were determined spectrophotometrically using the CIELAB system with the help of the portable spectrophotometer Superchroma S-Spex without gloss. The levels of all three parameters dropped upon ionizing radiation. While at a dose of 1 kGy the difference in the parameters was not statistically conclusive, after irradiation using doses of 2.5 kGy and 5 kGy, the levels of the parameters L*, a*, and b* showed a statistically conclusive decrease which was also accompanied with changes in sensorial properties such as decolouration and decreased colour. The colour of the yolk was evaluated according to the Roche scale, showing that more significant changes occurred upon irradiation at doses of 2.5 and 5 kGy (the value decreased from 6 to 5). The number of acidity estimated in egg yolk (mg KOH/g of fat) increased with the increasing dose, being conclusively higher only for doses of 2.5 kGy and 5 kGy.