FAQ

 

 
 

 
ADVANTAGES OF RADIATION PROCESSING:    [back]
  • The organoleptic properties such as appearance, colour, aroma, flavour & wholesomeness of the spices are fully preserved.
  • No residual problem unlike chemical fumigants.
  • Total removal of all stages of insect pests in stored products.
  • Destruction of microorganisms responsible for spoilage.
  • Due to high penetrative nature of gamma rays, spices can be processed in the final packed form.
  • Less energy consuming process.
 

 
SOME OF THE COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:   [back]
  1. Why radiation process spices?
    2.

    Most spices get heavily contaminated with microbes including pathogenic bacteria during processing while drying in open. Radiation processing does not involve an increase in temperature, humidity or chemical residues. To extend shelf-life of spices in packed form retaining colour, aroma & other sensory properties and avoid the bacteria & microbes insist on radiation processed spices.

  2. Does the radiation processing make food radioactive?

    3. No. Radiation processing involves passing of food through radiation field, as shown in the isometric view, allowing the food to absorb energy and kill bacteria and does not produce radioactivity. (Just as our hand does not start emitting X-rays after being X-rayed.)

  3. Does radiation processing adversely affect the nutritional value of food?

    4. No. In comparison to other food processing and preservation methods, the nutrition value is least affected by radiation processing.

  4. Can radiation processing of food/spices lead to increase microbiological hazards?

    5. No. The microbiological safety of irradiated food has been carefully scrutinized by national & international scientific bodies. It has been shown beyond doubt that irradiation can neither increase infectivity of pathogenic microorganisms nor their ability to grow in such radiation processed spices.

  5. Is there any risk in radiation processing of food in packing materials currently used in the food industry?

    6. No. Results of extensive research have shown that almost all packaging materials currently used in food industry, are suitable.

     

  6. Is there any radiation plant for processing spices in our region?

Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology, a Unit of the Department of Atomic Energy, India - is setting up a state-of-the-art demonstration facility for radiation processing of spices at Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Government of India has cleared radiation processing of spices vide Gazette of India, No. 329, dated August 9,1994. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) has accordingly been amended.