Irradiation treatment for horticultural produce will counter infestation and increase shelf-life

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 16, 18 September 1984, Page 12

Irradiation treatment for horticultural produce will counter infestation and increase shelf-life

New Zealand's horticultural products will be in the spotlight at the National Symposium on Food Irradiation, to be held in Palmerston North this October. The symposium, organised by the Food Technology Department at Massey University, is to focus on potential applications of food irradiation — a process which is gaining worldwide acceptability. Although an irradiation plant has been operating in Upper Hutt since 1967, the irradiation of

foods is not yet permitted in New Zealand. Dr Gordon * Robertson, one of the symposium organisers, is hoping for a good attendance from growers. "They would be among the first to benefit if New Zealand accepted the clearance given by an international body in 1980, and an irradiation facility for foods was established." The approved process, which involves subjecting foods to a mild dose of gamma rays (up to 10 kilograys), could be used to disinfest a variety of

horticultural products, providing exporters with an alternative to chemical disinfestation. "One of the advantages would be an export trade in chemical-free products which are now in growing demand." Dr Robertson noted current problems with chemicals — the United States is about to ban ethylene dibromide, the traditional chemical fumigant; and some of the other chemical alternatives are also under review. Irradiation offers another advantage to growers by increasing the shelf life of a range of products. The high cost of air freight could be avoided if products were irradiated and sent overseas by ship. Another potential application will appeal to potato producers. Irradiation can stop sprouting in stored potatoes — a problem that

has meant losses of up to 25 percent for some producers. Several New Zealand organisations have provided funds to bring overseas speakers to the symposium. So far, two eminent world authorities have agreed to speak. They are Dr Hendrick van der Linde, Head of the Radiation Technology Division of the Nuclear Development Corporation of South Africa (Pty) Ltd, who has had first-hand experience in the production and marketing of a wide range of fresh produce; and Dr Martin Welt of Radiation . Technology, Inc., New Jersey, who combines experience in food irradiation with experience in gamma sterilisation. New Zealanders who have worked with irradiation of food, will also be presenting papers.