title: Microbial decontamination of honey of Indian origin using gamma radiation and its biochemical and organoleptic properties.
abstract: Gamma radiation is known to inactivate microorganisms in various foods and thus ensures their microbial safety. In the present study, process parameters were standardized for achieving microbial decontamination of honey of Indian origin. Study was also carried out to examine the effect of gamma radiation treatment on the biochemical, antioxidant, antibacterial, and organoleptic attributes of the honey. A 15 kGy dose of gamma radiation was found to be sufficient for complete microbial decontamination of honey including spores, thus improving its microbial safety without affecting the quality attributes.
authors.affiliation: Food Technology Div., Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.
authors.forename: Sudhanshu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saxena
authors.forename: Satyendra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gautam
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001516:Bees / Q000502:physiology; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D003102:Colloids / Q000032:analysis; D035264:Flowers; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006722:Honey / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D011058:Pollen; D012677:Sensation; D013649:Taste; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D002241:Carbohydrates; D003102:Colloids