OPTIMIZATION OF EXPERIMENTAL PARAMETERS FOR THE EPR DETECTION OF THE CELLULOSIC RADICAL IN IRRADIATED FOODSTUFFS

Optimization of the EPR signal from the 'cellulosic' radical of irradi ated plant materials can be achieved with an incident microwave power of approximately 250 muW. This is lower than previously recommended (0 .5-2.0 mW) and results in signal intensities of up to 200% greater amp litude. The use of this recommended power in any future EPR-based dete ction system will result in fewer false negatives, greater sensitivity , and is more likely to enforce compliance with existing labelling req uirements.