Technological Feasibility of Preserving Meat, Poultry and Fish Products by Using a Combination of Conventional Additives, Mild Heat Treatment and Irradiation

Radappertization, or irradiation sterilization of meats and other protein foods (poultry, seafoods) is a new processing method applicable to pre-cooked (enzyme inactivated) foods that are hermetically sealed (either in metal cans, flexible pouches, or metal or plastic trays) and involves irradiation to sterilizing doses of either gamma rays (from a cobalt-60 or caesium-137 source) or by X-rays and electrons. The process is particularly applicable to pre-cooked meat, poultry, fin fish, and shellfish, as well as to dry foods, animal feed, and spices. The resulting radappertized products are free from food spoilage microorganisms and organisms of public health significance, including the pathogens such as C. botulinum, salmonellae, trichinae, etc. The radappertized products can be stored without refrigeration for long periods (years), the limiting factor being the integrity of the primary packaging material. Irradiation sterilization of cured meats allows complete elimination or a drastic reduction of incoming nitrite to the levels needed only for characteristic colour and flavour of the items while providing protection against C. botulinum by irradiation. The irradiated-cured products with the low levels of added nitrite are free from residual nitrite and nitrosamines, including nitrosopyrrolidine in fried bacon. In recent co-operative research with the US Department of Agriculture, it was shown that irradiation also destroys pre-formed nitrosamines in bacon. The technology of the process was developed by the US National Food Irradiation Program and the US Army from 1953 to 1980. The US Army spearheaded the development of this new technology to the point where the food irradiation potentials have become meaningful within the broad scope of national and international interests. Therefore, it was highly appropriate that, effective 1 October 1980, the responsibility for the programme at this stage was transferred to the US Department of Agriculture which has been designated as the leading agency for the US Federal food and nutrition programmes. (author)