PRELIMINARY RESEARCH CONCERNING THE USE OF ELECTRON-ACCELERATORS TO IMPROVE THE CONSERVABILITY AND TO EXTEND THE SHELF-LIFE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

The potential of ionizing radiation treatment for food preservation, s helf-life extension, control of microbial load and reduction of pathog enic microorganism was demonstrated. The irradiations were performed u nder normal conditions on the Institute of Physics and Technology for Radiation Device's linear electron accelerator, which has the followin g parameters: 5 mu A mean beam current, 6 MeV electron mean energy, pu lse period 3.5 mu s and dose rates between 100-1500 Gy/min. This resea rch project was aimed at assuring the consumer's acceptance for radiat ion-treated food and to obtain a significant reduction of food losses. We also propose a promising solution for the radiation processing of some bulk food products at the place of storage, consisting of a mobil e electron accelerator. The main characteristics of the mobile electro n accelerator are: electron energy 3 to 5 MeV, maximum beam power 5 kW ,vertical electron beam; irradiation is possible both with electron be ams and with bremsstrahlung. The results of our preliminary research l ead to the conclusion that electron-beam irradiation and the use of el ectron accelerators is a promising solution for food preservation and food safety. Interesting future applications are outlined.