title: Levels of 2-dodecylcyclobutanone in ground beef patties irradiated by low-energy X-ray and gamma rays.
abstract: Food irradiation improves food safety and maintains food quality by controlling microorganisms and extending shelf life. However, acceptance and commercial adoption of food irradiation is still low. Consumer groups such as Public Citizen and the Food and Water Watch have opposed irradiation because of the formation of 2-alkylcyclobutanones (2-ACBs) in irradiated, lipid-containing foods. The objectives of this study were to measure and to compare the level of 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-DCB) in ground beef irradiated by low-energy X-rays and gamma rays. Beef patties were irradiated by low-energy X-rays and gamma rays (Cs-137) at 3 targeted absorbed doses of 1.5, 3.0, and 5.0 kGy. The samples were extracted with n-hexane using a Soxhlet apparatus, and the 2-DCB concentration was determined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The 2-DCB concentration increased linearly (P < 0.05) with irradiation dose for gamma-ray and low-energy X-ray irradiated patties. There was no significant difference in 2-DCB concentration between gamma-ray and low-energy X-ray irradiated patties (P > 0.05) at all targeted doses.
authors.affiliation: Food Science Inst., Dept. of Animal Sciences and Industry, 208 Call Hall, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
authors.forename: Faraj M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Hijaz
authors.forename: J Scott
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003503:Cyclobutanes / Q000032:analysis*; D005514:Food Irradiation / Q000379:methods*; D059022:Food Safety; D005720:Gamma Rays; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006586:Hexanes; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D003503:Cyclobutanes; D006586:Hexanes; D008055:Lipids; C026385:n-hexane; C063381:2-dodecylcyclobutanone