title: Detection of irradiated food--methods and routine applications.
abstract: Irradiation of food for the purpose of extension of shelf life, control of microbial load, reduction of pathogenic microorganisms and disinfection is regarded by many consumers with suspicion. One reason is the lack of methods within food-controlling laboratories which can detect irradiation treatment and which are applied to control correct labelling. This review describes the potential of various methods to reveal irradiation treatment. Special emphasis is given to the three most successful methods, thermoluminescence, electron spin resonance spectroscopy and detection of volatiles. The possibilities and limitations of applying the methods in routine control are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Federal Health Office (BGA), Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Schreiber
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Helle
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Bögl
mesh_terms: D005504:Food Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D005514:Food Irradiation