Detection of 2-alkylcyclobutanones,markers for irradiated foods,in adipose tissues of animals fed with these substances

Laboratory rats received a freshly prepared drinking fluid containing 0.005% 2-tetradecyl- or 2-tetradecenyl-cyclobutanones daily for 4 months. These two compounds were recovered in the adipose tissues of the animals that consumed them. Less than 1% of the 2-alkylcyclobutanones ingested daily were excreted in the feces. In addition, our data indicate that 2-alkylcyclobutanones are able to cross the intestinal barrier, to enter into the bloodstream, and to be stored in the adipose tissue of an animal. However, the amounts of these substances detected in the adipose tissues and in the feces were much smaller than the amounts ingested.