PHYTOSANITARY TREATMENT OF DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS USING IONIZING RADIATION

Dried fruit and nuts are at high risk of contamination with pathogens and insects, such as blue stain fungus, weevil, tick, moth, pyralidae, etc. Consuming unprocessed dried fruit and nuts may expose individuals to foodborne illnesses, severe infections and complications due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria.


Demand fordried fruit and berries is rising globally, therefore effective preservative techniques are needed. Ionizing radiation is a successful technique in ensuring the microbial safety of food products without compromising their quality.

BEAMCOMPLEX EQUIPMENT FOR DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS IRRADIATION
Beamcomplex manufactures complexes with electron accelerators and other special equipment for phytosanitary treatment of dried fruit and nuts with ionizing radiation (E-beam and X-Ray).
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During treatment with ionizing radiation, the DNA of pathogenic microorganisms is torn
IONIZING RADIATION TECHNOLOGY FOR DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS TREATMENT

Ionizing radiation (E-beam and X-Ray) generated by electron accelerators is used for phytosanitary treatment of food products. E-beam/X-Ray penetrate the product and effectively eliminate or reduce the number of pathogens and parasites to required limits by inducing breaks in their DNA.

Ionizing radiation technology is a non-thermal treatment. Thus, the temperature of treated dried fruit and nuts may vary from -32°C to 50°C.

WHAT DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS ARE PROCESSED USING COMPLEXES WITH ELECTRON ACCELERATORS?


Various dried fruit and nuts, including prunes, dried dates, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, etc.

BENEFITS OF DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS IRRADIATION

Reduction to permitted levels or complete elimination of pathogens, moulds, fungus, insects and their larvae, as well as viruses.
Treatment of dried fruit and nuts by ionizing radiation allows elimination of chemicals use.
Extended shelf life of treated products.
High processing speed.
The technology enables treatment in hermetically sealed packaging, eliminates the risk of recontamination and ensures quality for the entire shelf life of dried fruit and nuts.
Cellular and molecular structure of produce is not affected by radiation. All nutrients are retained for the entire duration of shelf life.
No residual radiation and free radicals in the treated product.

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS

IAEA Safety Standards
IAEA. Safety standards for protecting people and environment. 2006
IAEA Publication
IAEA. Radiation processing for safe, shelf-stable and ready-to-eat food. 2003
Control of Dried Fruit Pests by Irradiation
Ionizing radiation as an alternative to chemical fumigation for various dried fruit and nut commodities.