Z. Formanek et al., Identification of irradiation in coded black pepper samples by different physical methods (viscosimetry and ESR), ACT ALIMENT, 28(1), 1999, pp. 103-109
The experiment had been carried out on four black pepper samples coded A, B
, C, D. Two physical methods (viscosimetry with two different sample prepar
ation and electron spin resonance) were used to detect irradiated samples.
Both viscosimetry preparation methods (10% for heat gelatinization, 8% for
non heat gelatinization) showed significant differences in apparent viscosi
ty of coded samples and gave similar results at the examined concentrations
. However, hear gelatinization gives greater differences in viscosity betwe
en the different samples. All the examined methods showed that sample D was
not irradiated, but samples A and C were irradiated. Regarding the results
of viscosity measurements sample A and C had to be irradiated at about 8 k
Gy (according to the calculations of identification number from the literat
ure and our experience). Sample B could have been irradiated at a very low
level or long ago according to ESR results, but it was not. irradiated acco
rding to the results of viscosimetry. identification of irradiation >8 kGy
in black pepper samples is possible using these methods after one month sto
rage at ambient temperature. In well organised conditions all the measureme
nts can be carried out in 3 h.
The applied dose for coded black pepper samples were the following: A = 8 k
Gy, B = 0 kGy, C = 8 kGy, D = 0 kGy.