GAMMA IRRADIATION IN FOOD PRESERVATION: A CRITICAL REVIEW

  • Najaa Fadhilah Mohd Nasir Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  • Muhammad Syahir Sarkawi, Dr Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Keywords: food irradiation, gamma radiation, Fricke dosimeter, antioxidant, bioactive compound, mushrooms, fruits, vegetables

Abstract

Abstract

Over the last century, food irradiation had become the most studied preservation, sterilization, and treatment methods over the globe. One of the common irradiation methods used in the food industry is gamma irradiation. A variety of studies have been undertaken to specifically investigate the effects of gamma irradiation on the safety and quality of irradiated food for human consumption. Studies have shown that a low dose of gamma irradiation does not cause food radioactivity thus the foods are safe for consumption. However, the effect on physical parameters (weight, colour, texture, pH, etc.) biochemical and chemical properties (proteins, vitamins, phenolics, flavonoid, antioxidant activity, etc.) of irradiated food may vary depending on the type of food and the applied dose. In this review, the gamma irradiation method, consumer acceptance, and the effect of gamma irradiation on food are critically reviewed. It is clear that gamma irradiation treatment shows a very promising future in food preservation.

Abstrak

Selama abad yang lalu, penyinaran makanan telah menjadi kaedah pemeliharaan, pensterilan, dan rawatan yang paling banyak dikaji di seluruh dunia. Salah satu kaedah penyinaran yang biasa digunakan dalam industri makanan adalah penyinaran gamma. Berbagai kajian telah dilakukan untuk secara khusus menyelidiki pengaruh penyinaran gamma terhadap keselamatan dan kualiti makanan yang disinari untuk penggunaan manusia. Kajian menunjukkan bahawa dos penyinaran gamma yang rendah tidak menyebabkan radioaktif makanan sehingga makanan selamat untuk dimakan. Walau bagaimanapun, kesan pada parameter fizikal (berat, warna, tekstur, pH, dan lain-lain) sifat biokimia dan kimia (protein, vitamin, fenolik, flavonoid, aktiviti antioksidan, dll.) Makanan yang disinari mungkin berbeza-beza bergantung pada jenis makanan dan dos yang digunakan. Dalam tinjauan ini, kaedah penyinaran gamma, penerimaan pengguna, dan kesan penyinaran gamma pada makanan dikaji secara kritikal. Jelas bahawa rawatan penyinaran gamma menunjukkan masa depan yang sangat menjanjikan dalam pengawetan makanan.

Author Biographies

Najaa Fadhilah Mohd Nasir, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD),
Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor,
Malaysia.

Muhammad Syahir Sarkawi, Dr, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Nuclear Engineering Programme,
Department of Energy Engineering,
School of Chemical and Energy Engineering,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor

Published
2021-10-04
How to Cite
Mohd Nasir, N. F., & Sarkawi, M. S. (2021). GAMMA IRRADIATION IN FOOD PRESERVATION: A CRITICAL REVIEW. JOURNAL of NUCLEAR and Related TECHNOLOGIES, 18(02), 32-44. Retrieved from http://jnrtmns.net/index.php/jnrt/article/view/201
Section
Articles