The methods of microbiological contaminants elimination in herbs. Part 2. Physical methods

Poland is one of 27 members of International Consulting Group for Food Irradiation (ICFGI), who allows microbiological decontamination of spices and herbs with ionizing radiation dose not greater than 10 kGy. Ionizing radiation doses 1-10 kGy significantly decrease contamination of herbs and spices with aerobic bacteria, yeast-like fungi and mold spores. Important issue concerning microbiological decontamination of herbs is the influence of radiation on biologically active substances. Investigations show that most of herbs subjected to this process do not change its chemical composition (essential oils, alkaloids, antocyanes, phenol glycosides, triterpen saponins, flavenoids)