STATUS OF THE RADAPPERTIZATION OF MEATS1

Abstract

Considerable progress has been made toward development of highly acceptable radappertized meats through application of a heat treatment to an internal temperature of 65–80 C to inactivate proteolytic enzymes before irradiation, low temperature (−30 ± 10 C) of the food during irradiation, and addition of low levels of tripolyphosphate and sodium chloride. To assure that radappertized meats are free of potential pathogens and spoilage microorganisms they are given a minimum radiation dose (MRD) computed to effect a 12 log cycle reduction in the most radiation resistant strains of Clostridium botulinum spores. Inoculated pack studies are carried out to obtain the specific microbiological data required for computing the MRD. Cured meats normally have a lower MRD than uncured meats. In model systems concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) up to 4.0% (w/v) present during irradiation had no effect on radiation resistance, but NaCl did inhibit recovery of irradiated spores. A mixture of salts (4.0% NaCl, 30 ppm NaNO2 500 ppm NaNO3) had essentially the same effect as NaCl alone. Of 11 genera of vegetative cells examined, Micrococcs radiodurans and Streptococcus faecium were shown to be the most resistant to low-temperature gamma irradiation. Before the radappertization process can be established commercially it is necessary to provide proof that products so treated are safe for human consumption. An intensive animal feeding study of radappertized (4.7–7.1 Mrads) beef was initiated in 1971 and is expected to be completed in 1976.