title: Development of a novel device for applying uniform doses of electron beam irradiation on carcasses.
abstract: The Maxim's Electron Scatter Chamber (Maxim Chamber) was developed to obtain uniform dose distribution when applying electron beam (e-beam) irradiation to materials of irregular surface. This was achieved by placing a stainless steel mesh surrounding a cylindrical area where the target sample was placed. Upon contact with the mesh, electrons scatter and are directed onto the target from multiple angles, eliminating the e-beam linearity and resulting in a uniform dose distribution over the target surface. The effect of irradiation in the Maxim Chamber on dose distribution and pathogen reduction was tested on rabbit carcasses to simulate other larger carcasses. The dose uniformity ratio (DUR) on the rabbit carcasses was 1.8, indicating an acceptable dose distribution. On inoculated carcasses, this treatment reduced Escherichia coli O157:H7 by >5 log cycles. These results indicate that carcass irradiation using e-beam is feasible using the Maxim's electron scattering chamber. Appropriate adjustments will be further needed for commercial application on beef and other animal carcasses.
authors: National Center for Electron Beam Research, 2472 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2472, USA.
authors: Joseph E
authors: JE
authors: Maxim
authors: Jack A
authors: JA
authors: Neal
authors: Alejandro
authors: A
authors: Castillo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004583:Electrons; D019453:Escherichia coli O157 / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D005511:Food Handling; D005514:Food Irradiation / Q000379:methods*; D005516:Food Microbiology; D008460:Meat / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011817:Rabbits
keywords: Carcass interventions; E. coli O157:H7; Electron beam irradiation; Electron scattering; Maxim Chamber; Pathogen reduction