Decontamination of spices by gamma radiation |
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Authors: | M.K. Alam N. Choudhury N.A. Chowdhury Q.M. Youssouf |
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Affiliation: | Institute of Food and Radiation Biology, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, G.P.O. Box 3787, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
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Abstract: | Spices such as coriander, cumin, turmeric, chilli collected from a local market were found to be highly contaminated with bacteria and fungi. A dose of 10 kGy was required to reduce the total bacterial count below detectable levels, while a dose of only 5 kGy was required to eliminate the fungal contamination. Coliforms were totally eliminated at a radiation dose of 5 kGy. During a 6 months storage of irradiated and unirradiated spices, the irradiated spices were found to retain good microbiological quality. |
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