Development of Electron Beam and X Ray Applications for Food Irradiation

Transcription

1 CRP Code: D61024 CRP ID: 2082 Division: NAFA Section: Food and Environmental Protection Responsible Project Officer: HENON, Yves Alternate Project Officer: BLACKBURN, Carl 1. Title: Development of Electron Beam and X Ray Applications for Food Irradiation 2. Summary: The majority of food and agricultural products treated by irradiation are processed in facilities using gamma radiation from cobalt-60 as the source of ionizing radiation. Gamma irradiation is a simple, robust and well-established technology. However, as cobalt-60 might become more difficult to get in the future, it is necessary to ensure that alternative technologies are available to secure the long-term commercialization of food irradiation. Electron beam (EB) and X ray machines are alternative technologies that employ electricity to generate ionizing radiation. Their effects on food are similar to those of gamma irradiation. However, the use of electrical machine sources for food irradiation on a commercial scale has this far been limited. A Consultants Meeting in May 2014 identified the need for internationally coordinated research to stimulate the development of machine source and to establish the conditions that could broaden the choice of food irradiation irradiation technologies. The aim of the CRP is therefore to accelerate research and development to facilitate implementation of practical techniques using EB and X ray to unlock the potential of machine sources for radiation treatment of agricultural and food products. The project will adopt an international and multidisciplinary approach involving cooperative research and development between food scientists, equipment manufacturers, and stakeholders within the agro-food industry. 3. Background Situation Analysis: The majority of agricultural and food products currently irradiated commercially (estimated at 700,000 tons per year globally) is treated by gamma radiation from cobalt-60. Electron beam irradiation which is by far the predominant technology for material modification could be used much more than it currently is to irradiate food. Recent innovations involve on-line EB and X ray systems to sterilize packaging, biological material and medical devices. It seems that such systems could also be developed in the food industry. Currently food irradiation is primarily outsourced and food is sent to a separate gamma irradiation facility operated by a specialist contractor. This entails extra logistics, additional cost, longer lead times, lack of flexibility in scheduling and liability issues. These issues could be solved if food were irradiated by food businesses as part of their normal processes, but efforts to turn food irradiation into an "in-house" technology have been limited. Due to their limited penetration, electron accelerators appear most relevant

2 for the irradiation of food products units (rather than larger packaging units) and can consequently be seen as a possible on-line process in an existing food manufacturing unit. This requires the design of specific processes and specific machines that do not yet exist. Industrial irradiation with high power and high energy X Ray machines is still a novelty with only one machine in the world continuously operating in X ray mode in the world as of At the other end of the power and energy spectrum, there are limited attempts by SMEs to propose X ray lamps that could be used on line to irradiate food. In spite of the interest shown by food manufacturers for this technology, there are still questions to be answered so that the specific needs and constraints of the food sector are taken into account. The success of the CRP will rely on encouraging collaboration between research and industry. Therefore, a coordinated research project involving researchers, equipment providers and food industry stakeholders is necessary to drive forward and expand the food related applications of EB and X ray technologies. 4. Nuclear Component: The peaceful and beneficial use of ionizing radiation as an irradiation tool is at the heart of the CRP. Food irradiation is a nuclear related technology since it is based on the exposure of food to electron beams, X rays or gamma rays. 5. CRP Overall Objective: To remove the obstacles impeding a greater use of electron beam and X ray technologies (machine source irradiation) for food irradiation and propose a broader range of technical options. 6. Specific Research Objectives: 1. Propose new concepts of EB and X ray machines that could easily be integrated in existing food processing lines. 2. Propose novel pre-packaged foods that are safe and convenient through the use of EB or X ray irradiation. 3. Know if the lethal effects of EB and X rays on foodborne microorganisms are comparable at energies below 300 kev for EB and at energies of 5-10 MeV for X rays. 4. Know if X ray having an energy ranging from 5.0 to 7.5 MeV can induce short lived radionuclides that could be of toxicological significance. 5. Have reliable dosimetry methods and tools usable for EB and X ray having an energy below 300 kev and for X ray with an energy ranging from 5.0 to 7.5 MeV 6. On a case by case basis, analyse the pros and cons of the three technological options (gamma, EB and X rays) to enable MSs to make an informed decision. 7. Expected Research Outputs: 1. New concepts of EB and X ray machines customized for food irradiation, especially on line in existing manufacturing facilities

3 2. Protocols detailing irradiation by EB or X Ray of specific categories of food with pre- and postirradiation requirements. 3. Existing dosimetry systems validated for low and high energy applications to food. 4. Novel dosimetry systems validated for low and high energy applications 5. Best Dosimetry Practise document for low energy EB and X ray applications. 6. Protocols for performance qualification of EB or X ray irradiated food complying with ISO for low energy applications. 7. Research data clarifying the effect of X ray at anenergy of 7.5 MeV on induced radioactivity in food with a view to support the revision of the Codex Alimentarius General Standard on Irradiated Food. 8. Case studies on pilot scale testing and full scale demonstration of EB and X ray irradiation of food in collaboration with food industry. 9. Material to support workshops and short courses on EB and X Ray applied to food. 10. Research and technical papers published in scientific journals and development of information packages e.g. internet content and on line data packages / courses. 8. Expected research outcomes: 1. Increased awareness on the potential of EB and X ray technologies for food irradiation among the Member States. 2. Increased choice, knowledge and understanding of machine sources with a corresponding increase in expertise and capacity in Member States regarding food applications of EB and X ray technologies. 3. Potential scientific or technical obstacles for the adoption of EB and X ray technologies for food irradiation removed. 4. Better control of the irradiation process and greater confidence in dosimetry results through consensus of approach for each set of specific machine source technology and application. 5. Codex Alimentarius Standard for irradiated food and national regulations revised to increase the maximum energy limit for X ray irradiation from 5.0 to 7.5 MeV thus having the standard in tune with technological advances. 6. Safe and convenient novel food available to consumers.

4 9. Action plan (Activities):

5 10. Assumptions: 1. The approach will be multidisciplinary and it is assumed that equipment manufacturers and the food industry will be willing to collaborate and participate as necessary. 2. Participants will have access to the appropriate equipment or have adequate facilities for undertaking the research. 3. Proper dosimetry practises will be secured to ensure the reliability of the dosimetry data for valid inter-comparison of the results. 4. It is assumed that the CRP will comprise 11 research contracts and 4 agreement holders.