Evaluation of e-beam, γ-and X-ray treatment on the chemistry and safety of polymers used with pre-packaged irradiated foods: a review

摘要

Polymers used to package food intended for irradiation must currently receive separate US FDA approvals for e-beam, gamma and X-radiation. The three forms of irradiation have virtually indistinguishable effects on polymers held in vacuum. However, in air, irradiation damage is favoured by slow dose rates, such as that characteristic of gamma irradiation. Irrespective of irradiation type, theory and existing polymer irradia- tion literature both suggests that radiolytic products in food contact polymers should not present a health hazard due to migration into the foods they contain. Equations are presented which calculate the FDA Allowable content of radiolytic products to achieve 'threshold of regulation' clearance and conversion of radiolytic yield values (G-values) into ppb concentra- tion in the treated polymer in conformance with FDA practice. An approach to quantifying the funtional barrier of a polymer is discussed.