Radurization

Radurization, or radurisation, is a process of food irradiation in which certain packaged and non-packaged foods (such as potatoes and spices) are treated with mild ionizing radiation dose, usually less than 10 kGray, but sufficient to eliminate or to significantly reduce the number of pathogens and to extend the shelf life. The process is intended to sterilize foods by destroying or inactivating microorganisms that contribute to spoilage, including vegetative bacteria. The required dose is in the range of 0.4 – 10 kGy.[1]

Radurization risks

The following risks can be mentioned[2] in regards to radurization: impossible to kill germs completely even at high doses, while irradiation removes germs which mark food spoilage; damage or loss of vitamins and proteins; production of potential cancerogenic reactive radicals.

In Australia, following cat deaths[3] after irradiated cat food consumption and producer's voluntary recall,[4] cat food irradiation was banned.[5]

Origin of the word "Radurization"

The word "radurization" is derived from radura, combining the initial letters of the word "radiation" with the stem of "durus", the Latin word for hard, lasting.[6]

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gollark: Also, it's possible that people think "this person must be joking, CB silvers are far more expensive than that".
gollark: Why not try trading silvers for æons then?
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gollark: I can offer you a random messy.

See also

References
  1. Diehl JF (1995). Safety of Irradiated Foods. Marcel Dekker. p. 99.
  2. see e.g. Claus Grupen. Introduction to Radiation Protection. Springer-Verlag, 2010, pp. 223-224.
  3. Child G, Foster DJ, Fougere BJ, Milan JM, Rozmanec M (September 2009). "Ataxia and paralysis in cats in Australia associated with exposure to an imported gamma-irradiated commercial dry pet food". Australian Veterinary Journal. 87 (9): 349–51. doi:10.1111/j.1751-0813.2009.00475.x. PMID 19703134.
  4. "Origen Cat Food" (PDF). Champion Pet Foods. 26 November 2008.
  5. Burke K (30 May 2009). "Cat-food irradiation banned as pet theory proved". The Sidney Morning Herald.
  6. Ehlermann DA (2009). "The RADURA-terminology and food irradiation". Food Control. 20 (5): 526–528. doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2008.07.023.
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