Applications of Food Irradiation Technology

  • Rita Singh DRDO-Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Pithoragarh - 262 501, India
  • Antaryami Singh DRDO-Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Pithoragarh - 262 501, India
Keywords: Foodborne pathogens, Spoilage microbes, Disinfestation, Sprout inhibition, Delayed ripening

Abstract

Food irradiation provides an effective means for controlling the physiological processes causing spoilage and for eradication of microbes, insect pests and parasites. Irradiation has multipurpose role in food processing and is applicable for a variety of food commodities such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices, meat, poultry and seafood. Several years of scientific research, evaluation, and testing have resulted in regulatory approvals for the food irradiation technology in a number of countries. Commercial application of this technology has greatly advanced in recent years following the approval of the health authorities of different countries. This review summarises the applications of irradiation technology in controlling pathogens and food spoilage, and the development of irradiation treatment worldwide.

Author Biographies

Rita Singh, DRDO-Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Pithoragarh - 262 501, India

Dr Rita Singh obtained MSc and PhD (Microbiology) from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. She joined at Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur as Scientist B in 1995. She has made contributions in the field of radiation processing, tissue banking, bioremediation and nanotechnology. Presently, she is working as Scientist F and Officer-in-Charge at Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Field Station, Pithoragarh since Dec 2017

Antaryami Singh, DRDO-Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Pithoragarh - 262 501, India

Dr Antaryami Singh obtained MSc and PhD (Botany) from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He joined at Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur as Scientist C in 1998. He has made contributions in the field of environmental biology, phytoremediation and radiation processing. Presently, he is working as Scientist F and Head, Seed Science and Technology Division at Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Field Station, Pithoragarh since Dec 2017.

Published
2020-02-19
How to Cite
Singh, R., & Singh, A. (2020). Applications of Food Irradiation Technology. Defence Life Science Journal, 5(1), 54-62. https://doi.org/10.14429/dlsj.5.14398
Section
Review Articles