The effect of ionizing radiation on the efficiency of disinfection and consumer properties of dried fruits and nuts on irradiation

   Introduction. In the Russian Federation and the EAEU countries, the use of ionizing radiation for food processing (radurization) is permitted in accordance with TR CU 021/2011, provided that the doses established by international standards are observed. The choice of the radiation dose must be balanced: it must be sufficient to ensure the microbiological safety of the product without degrading its organoleptic and consumer qualities.

   The goal of the research is to evaluate the effect of different doses of ionizing radiation treatment of dried fruits on the mortality rate of insect pests, as well as the effect of such treatment on the organoleptic, physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the products.

   The materials and methods. Dried apricots, light raisins, dark raisins, walnuts and hazelnuts treated with ionizing radiation providing absorbed doses from 150 to 1000 Gy were the objects of the research. The following quality and safety indicators were assessed: organoleptic properties, moisture content, vitamin C, sulfur dioxide, pesticides HCH, DDT, toxic elements (cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury), radionuclide ¹³⁷Cs, patulin. The following parameters were also determined: fat peroxide value, fatty acid composition, aflatoxin B1, microbiological parameters (QMAFAnM, coliform bacteria, yeasts and molds, pathogenic microorganisms, including Salmonella).

   The results and discussion. The study demonstrated that the effectiveness of ionizing radiation against insect pests depended on their species and developmental stage and, in some cases, the radiation dose. Product type (dried apricots, raisins, nuts) did not affect the mortality rate, which may allow for standardization of processing regimens. Irradiation exposure did not degrade the organoleptic properties of the products; quality and safety indicators remained within normal limits at all treatment doses, with the exception of mold suppression in dark raisins, which requires optimization of processing regimens.

   Conclusion. Radiation treatment of dried fruits and nuts has been shown to be an effective pest control method, without adversely affecting the organoleptic properties, quality, or safety indicators of the studied products.

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