Food Irradiation: First of 'Occasional Messages'

[Forbes-Ewan, Chris]

I am a nutritionist working with the Australian Department of Defence, and
so do not have a professional interest in food irradiation. However, I was
concerned with some claims being made about irradiation on this listserv
recently. I volunteered to send the occasional message on this subject.
Laura Larsson has given her approval for this.

I tried (twice) to send a report by a colleague who attended the
International Conference on Radiation Processing, conducted
in Melbourne, Australia, 14-19 March, 1999. The message wasn't delivered on
either occasion. The report was in dot-point 
form. In case it was the dot-points that caused the message to be 'lost in
(cyber) space', I have deleted them in the report
below my signature block. 
  
Chris Forbes-Ewan

Senior Nutritionist
Defence Nutrition Research Centre
76 George St
Scottsdale  Tas  7260
Australia

Phone:	Int + 61 3 6352 6607	(03 6352 6607 within Australia)
Fax: 	Int + 61 3 6352 3044	(03 6352 3044 within Australia)

E-mail:	chris.forbes-ewan at dsto.defence.gov.au

The views expressed in this message are those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the position of the Defence Science and Technology
Organisation or of the Australian Department of Defence.


REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RADIATION PROCESSING:

1.	Overseas use of food irradiation:
In the UK use has been permitted in principle since 1990. There was initial
use of the technology but there have been virtually no foods irradiated in
the past 2 years. The reason given is that four companies control 70% of
food sales and because of the intense competition none of these is willing
to risk giving a competitor a marketing edge.

South Africa has been processing shelf stable products for the outdoor
market (hiking, rafting etc). There has been a large increase in production
since 1990. Not allowed to advertise as 'irradiated' because did not want
International problems. Consumer response of '15% likely to try', rising to
75% after receiving information on the process and tasting of the product.

In Japan the major use is for sprout-inhibition of potatoes.

Hawaii is looking at a commercial radiation to overcome fruit fly problems.
Successfully ship papaya, lychee & rambutan to mainland US for radiation
treatment. Shipments rose from 6 in '95 to 125 in '98. Found that markets
would accept irradiated product if of high quality and a fair price. The
example given was of papaya at $24/case irradiated c/w $11 for local
product.

USDA issued proposed guidelines for irradiation of red meat for human
consumption in Feb '99. These guidelines have maximum doses but no minima.
Must be used in conjunction with HACCP. Key personnel must be trained in
food tech and irradiation processing. Allows red meat and poultry mix.
Allows for control of pathogens and shelf life extension. USDA will petition
FDA to change poultry regs (have been able to irradiate for some years)
which are much more stringent than red meat.

France has 24 products that may be irradiated. Total of ~ 15 tonnes treated
each year. Not much consumer resistance but also not much manufacturer
interest.

2.	Labelling
Labelling of irradiated product is generally required. How this can be
achieved in a positive fashion was a matter of concern to many delegates.

Second generation labelling is also of concern. Should minor ingredients
such as spices have to be listed in a finished product as 'irradiated'?

In the US irradiation is listed by the FDA as an additive and therefore
labelling provisions apply.

The Australian Food Council would like irradiation to been seen as an
approved safe process and therefore specific labelling is not required.


Chris Forbes-Ewan

Senior Nutritionist
Defence Nutrition Research Centre
76 George St
Scottsdale  Tas  7260
Australia

Phone:	Int + 61 3 6352 6607	(03 6352 6607 within Australia)
Fax: 	Int + 61 3 6352 3044	(03 6352 3044 within Australia)

E-mail:	chris.forbes-ewan at dsto.defence.gov.au

The views expressed in this message are those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the position of the Defence Science and Technology
Organisation or of the Australian Department of Defence.