Food Safety Interventions Information
Click on the links below to access information on interventions available at each stage of the meat production process
| Contents Page | Introduction to Interventions | On Farm | Processing - hide on | Processing - hide off | Chilling | Packaging or Retail |
Irradiation
(A partially emerged technology)
In this process, products are exposed to Ionizing radiation- radiant energy that includes gamma rays, electron beams, and x-rays. Gamma irradiation uses high-energy gamma rays with high penetration power and thus can treat bulk foods on shipping pallets. Electron beam (E-beam) irradiation uses a stream of high-energy electrons, know as beta rays, which can penetrate only about 5 cms, while X-irradiation has intermediate penetration. Irradiation damages the bacterial cells’ genetic material, disrupting their normal functions and can result in significant extensions in shelf-life of the product treated. The biggest obstacle to irradiation as an intervention is consumer acceptance – there is a perception that irradiation is dangerous to health, which in large doses, it is, but the doses required to treat foods are tiny and considered safe.
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| INTERVENTION SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
Location |
Normally packaging/retail, though whole carcasses can be treated |
Intervention Type |
Surface treatment for E-beam, but Gamma irradiation can penetrate deeper |
Treatment Time |
Seconds |
Regulations |
Approved in US, not yet approved for meat in Australia or EU |
Effectiveness |
Very Good |
Likely Cost |
Up-front capital cost of equipment A$1,000,000 + |
Value for Money |
Poor in Australia unless central service facility available |
Plant or Process Changes |
The unit may be retro-fitted after the packing machine, but extra space may need to be provided E-beam cabinet would require space for installation at the end of the slaughter line |
Environmental Impact |
The equipment requires power |
Occupational Health and Safety |
Irradiation units must be properly screened |
Advantages |
E-beam radiation capable of treating whole carcasses after chilling Easy to treat packaged primals In-package treatment can reduce potential post-processing contamination Good for smaller cuts such as patties and individual steaks etc |
Disadvantages or Limitations |
Consumer perceptions may be hard to overcome Packs must be labelled i.e. “Treated with radiation” |
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