April 19, 2023 1

STATUS OF FOOD IRRADIATION STATUS OF FOOD IRRADIATION

IN PAKISTAN IN PAKISTAN ByBy

Dr. Kauser Abdulla MalikDr. Kauser Abdulla MalikMember BiosciencesMember Biosciences

Pakaistan Atomic Energy CommissionPakaistan Atomic Energy Commission

April 19, 2023 2

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One third of the world’s food harvest is lost on its way to the One third of the world’s food harvest is lost on its way to the consumer from spoilage and disinfections. Beside this, each year, consumer from spoilage and disinfections. Beside this, each year, thousand of lives are lost worldwide due to food-borne diseasesthousand of lives are lost worldwide due to food-borne diseases

Losses are especially high in developing countries where transport Losses are especially high in developing countries where transport and storage systems are comparatively older or inadequate, and storage systems are comparatively older or inadequate, surrounding temperature and humidity are high surrounding temperature and humidity are high

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PRESERVATION METHODS PRESERVATION METHODS EVOVLEDEVOVLED

Sun DryingSun Drying SaltingSalting CookingCooking SmokingSmoking Canning Canning FreezingFreezing Chemical PreservationChemical Preservation IrradiationIrradiation

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The use of food irradiation to reduce food The use of food irradiation to reduce food loses has been quite successesful and has loses has been quite successesful and has been investigated since 1964 by FAO/IAEAbeen investigated since 1964 by FAO/IAEA

Although relatively new commercial process Although relatively new commercial process of food irradiation has been studied more of food irradiation has been studied more thoroughly than any other food preservation thoroughly than any other food preservation technologytechnology

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IRRADIATION IS A CRITICAL CONTROL IRRADIATION IS A CRITICAL CONTROL MEASURE WHICH FULFILS THE CONDITIONSMEASURE WHICH FULFILS THE CONDITIONS

It eliminates or reduce pathogenic bacteriaIt eliminates or reduce pathogenic bacteria Decontamination of spices and herbs.Decontamination of spices and herbs. Disinfestations of grains and grain products Disinfestations of grains and grain products Extension of shelf LifeExtension of shelf Life Inhibition of SproutingInhibition of Sprouting Free of Chemical additives Free of Chemical additives Keeps the food as close as to its natural condition as Keeps the food as close as to its natural condition as

far as possiblefar as possible Critical limits are well established for this processing Critical limits are well established for this processing

techniquetechnique Compliance with critical limits can be accurately Compliance with critical limits can be accurately

monitored through dosimetrymonitored through dosimetry There are no adverse effects from the consumption of There are no adverse effects from the consumption of

irradiated foodirradiated food

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STATUS AND TRENDS IN FOOD IRRADIATIONSTATUS AND TRENDS IN FOOD IRRADIATION

19641964

19741974

19801980

19831983

TodaTodayy

JECFI evaluated available dataJECFI evaluated available data

JEC recognized food irradiation as a physical process JEC recognized food irradiation as a physical process for food preservationfor food preservation

It is concluded that the irradiation of any commodity It is concluded that the irradiation of any commodity upto 10 kGy present no toxicological hazardupto 10 kGy present no toxicological hazard

International standard for food food irradiation is safe International standard for food food irradiation is safe for general application upto 10 kgy & for general application upto 10 kgy & recommended Code of Practice for the operation of recommended Code of Practice for the operation of food irradiation facilities food irradiation facilities

60 health and safety authorities in 42 countries have 60 health and safety authorities in 42 countries have approved irradiation of over 60 different foods & over approved irradiation of over 60 different foods & over 170 facilities are present in 35 countries. 170 facilities are present in 35 countries.

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Status of National ClearancesStatus of National ClearancesCountryCountry FruitFruit SpicesSpices VegVeg Cereal Cereal MeatMeat SeafoodSeafood

ArgentinaArgentina

BangladeshBangladesh

BelgiumBelgium

BrazilBrazil

BulgariaBulgaria

Canada Canada

ChileChile

ChinaChina

CubaCuba

CzechoslovakiaCzechoslovakia

DenmarkDenmark

FinlandFinland

FranceFrance

HungryHungry

IndiaIndia

IndonesiaIndonesia

Iran Iran

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CountryCountry FruitFruit SpicesSpices VegVeg Cereal Cereal MeatMeat SeafoodSeafood

IsraelIsrael

ItalyItaly

JapanJapan

S.KoreaS.Korea

MexicoMexico

NetherlandsNetherlands

NorwayNorway

PhilippinesPhilippines

PolandPoland

S. AfricaS. Africa

SpainSpain

SyriaSyria

ThailandThailand

UKUK

UruguayUruguay

USAUSA

VietnamVietnam

YugoslaviaYugoslavia

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STATUS OF PAKISTANSTATUS OF PAKISTAN

Pakistan installed its First Commercial Gamma Pakistan installed its First Commercial Gamma Irradiator facility for Sterilization of Single Use Irradiator facility for Sterilization of Single Use Medical Products at Lahore PAKISTAN RADIATION Medical Products at Lahore PAKISTAN RADIATION STERILIZATION SERVICES (PARAS)STERILIZATION SERVICES (PARAS)

In 1996 as a result of research carried out at NIFA In 1996 as a result of research carried out at NIFA Peshawar Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Peshawar Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission applied for license to Irradiate Food Products applied for license to Irradiate Food Products

Government of Pakistan passed an ordinance on Government of Pakistan passed an ordinance on March 7, 1996. allowing seven types of itemsMarch 7, 1996. allowing seven types of items

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TREATMENT OF FOOD BY IONIZING RADIATIONTREATMENT OF FOOD BY IONIZING RADIATIONSRO 166(1)/96, Gazette Notification 3712/96, March 7,1996SRO 166(1)/96, Gazette Notification 3712/96, March 7,1996

ItemItem PurposePurpose Max. Max. Dose Dose (kGy)(kGy)

Bulbs, Roots & Bulbs, Roots & Tubers Tubers

To inhibit sprouting during storageTo inhibit sprouting during storage 0.20.2

Fresh fruits & Fresh fruits & vegetablesvegetables

Improve quality, delaying ripening, Improve quality, delaying ripening, control insect infestation,satisfy control insect infestation,satisfy quarrtine requirements quarrtine requirements

0.10.1

Cereal, pulses, Cereal, pulses, vegetables, nuts vegetables, nuts

Control infestationControl infestation 1.01.0

Raw fish, seafood & Raw fish, seafood & productsproducts

Prolong shelf life, control Hygienic Prolong shelf life, control Hygienic quality quality

3.0-5.03.0-5.0

Raw poultry, meat & Raw poultry, meat & productsproducts

Prolong shelf life-control of hygienic Prolong shelf life-control of hygienic qualityquality

3.0-5.03.0-5.0

Dried herbs,spices Dried herbs,spices & condiments& condiments

Insect infestation, hygienic qualityInsect infestation, hygienic quality 1.0-10.01.0-10.0

Dried food of Dried food of animalsanimals

Control of infestationControl of infestation 1.01.0

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Country Status PakistanCountry Status PakistanRegulations on Food IrradiationRegulations on Food Irradiation Pakistan has already adopted/approved Food Pakistan has already adopted/approved Food

Regulation in March, 1996. Regulation in March, 1996. ((IAEA Food & Environmental Protection Section)IAEA Food & Environmental Protection Section)

Authorized Applications of Food IrradiationAuthorized Applications of Food Irradiation The seven categories of food have been The seven categories of food have been

recommended by this food regulation (according to recommended by this food regulation (according to recommendation of ICGFI).recommendation of ICGFI).

.Bulbs Roots & Tubers.Bulbs Roots & Tubers .Fresh Fruits and vegetables.Fresh Fruits and vegetables .Cereal/pulses vegetables and fruits.Cereal/pulses vegetables and fruits .Raw fish, Seafood and their products..Raw fish, Seafood and their products. .Raw poultry & meat (fresh & frozen)..Raw poultry & meat (fresh & frozen). .Dried herbs, spices, condiments..Dried herbs, spices, condiments. .Dried food animal origin. .Dried food animal origin.

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Authorization of Food Irradiation Authorization of Food Irradiation FacilitiesFacilities

o Research Food Irradiation Facility is available at Research Food Irradiation Facility is available at Nuclear Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Nuclear Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Peshawar since 1983.Peshawar since 1983.

Utilizes Co-60 source presently have a strength of Utilizes Co-60 source presently have a strength of about 1000 Ci. about 1000 Ci.

Facility is utilized for irradiation of all types of food Facility is utilized for irradiation of all types of food on experimental purpose.on experimental purpose.

We are interested to enhance the source strength We are interested to enhance the source strength by replenishment or by adding source to twelve by replenishment or by adding source to twelve empty tubes.empty tubes.

There is no commercial food irradiation facility.There is no commercial food irradiation facility.

PARAS P.O. Box 5014, Lahore, Pakistan PARAS P.O. Box 5014, Lahore, Pakistan

(Fax 092-42-7510944(Fax 092-42-7510944))

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SAFETY OF IRRADIATED FOODSAFETY OF IRRADIATED FOOD

Irradiated FoodIrradiated Food Does the irradiation process make food radioactive?Does the irradiation process make food radioactive? Can irradiated food become toxic?Can irradiated food become toxic? Can eating irradiated food develop abnormal Can eating irradiated food develop abnormal

chromosomes ?chromosomes ? Results of human feeding studies of irradiated foodResults of human feeding studies of irradiated food Are Chemical changes or products formed are harmful?Are Chemical changes or products formed are harmful? Do free radicals produced affect the safety of food?Do free radicals produced affect the safety of food? Are food with microorganisms are suitable for irradiation?Are food with microorganisms are suitable for irradiation?

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FOOD IRRADIATION FACILITYFOOD IRRADIATION FACILITY

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WORLD WIDE UTILIZATION OF FOOD WORLD WIDE UTILIZATION OF FOOD IRRADIATIONIRRADIATION

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Food Irradiation Cost Food Irradiation Cost Low dose application Rs 600/tonLow dose application Rs 600/ton High Dose application Rs 6000/tonHigh Dose application Rs 6000/ton Economy of nations depends on tradeEconomy of nations depends on trade Pests, Diseases and food safety are the barriers Pests, Diseases and food safety are the barriers

in food imports & Exportsin food imports & Exports Food irradiation technology is gaining more and Food irradiation technology is gaining more and

more attention around the world making food more attention around the world making food trade possibletrade possible

About 32,000 tons of spices & dried vegetable About 32,000 tons of spices & dried vegetable seasoning are irradiated each yearseasoning are irradiated each year

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CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF IRRADIATED FOODIRRADIATED FOOD

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Market TrialsMarket Trials For marketing and acceptability, irradiated potatoes For marketing and acceptability, irradiated potatoes

and onions were evaluated, which revealed that and onions were evaluated, which revealed that 35% of consumers showed interest in consuming 35% of consumers showed interest in consuming irradiated foods. Since then the acceptability has irradiated foods. Since then the acceptability has certainly increased due to the awareness campaign certainly increased due to the awareness campaign upto 45%.upto 45%.

TrialsTrials In-country shipment trial of potatoes and onions In-country shipment trial of potatoes and onions

(over 1500-2000 km by road) indicated better (over 1500-2000 km by road) indicated better performance of irradiated root vegetable than performance of irradiated root vegetable than untreated controls with regard to their texture and untreated controls with regard to their texture and general appearance.general appearance.

Techno-economic studies on potatoes, onions, Techno-economic studies on potatoes, onions, cereals, dried fruits, vegetable etc. revealed this cereals, dried fruits, vegetable etc. revealed this technology to be quite economical than technology to be quite economical than conventional cold storage’s and was found feasible conventional cold storage’s and was found feasible under Pakistani conditions.under Pakistani conditions.

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PAEC’S ROLE IN DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE PAEC’S ROLE IN DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE & AWARENESS& AWARENESS

ExpertsExperts Arranging National Seminar On Food IrradiationArranging National Seminar On Food Irradiation

IAEA/FAO/PAECIAEA/FAO/PAEC Resource Persons/ExpertsResource Persons/Experts Financial support for boarding/lodging of national Financial support for boarding/lodging of national

/international guest speakers/international guest speakers

PAECPAEC Secretariat supportSecretariat support Provision of local services/utilitiesProvision of local services/utilities Coordination between various national/international Coordination between various national/international

agenciesagencies Mobilization of local human resourcesMobilization of local human resources Dissemination of information through electronic and print Dissemination of information through electronic and print

mediamedia

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PAEC’S ROLEPAEC’S ROLE GeneralGeneral To help in installation of commercial food To help in installation of commercial food

irradiator in public sector.irradiator in public sector. To extend training to operate the irradiator for To extend training to operate the irradiator for

industry and public sector.industry and public sector. Monitoring of irradiator for safety/protection.Monitoring of irradiator for safety/protection. To provide education about irradiation To provide education about irradiation

Technology to masses.Technology to masses. To advise to the Govt to include Irradiation To advise to the Govt to include Irradiation

Processing Technology Courses in the syllabus Processing Technology Courses in the syllabus at undergraduate/ graduate level in all at undergraduate/ graduate level in all technical institutions in the country.technical institutions in the country.

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COMMERCIALIZATION OF IRRADIATION TECHNOLOGY

Extension of Shelf Life and Disinfestations of Food Items

A Step Forward to Increase Exports and Meeting The WTO Standards

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PAEC’S INITIATIVEPAEC’S INITIATIVE PAEC examined the feasibility of setting up food irradiation PAEC examined the feasibility of setting up food irradiation

plants in Pakistan and find out that It is economical to plants in Pakistan and find out that It is economical to operate such plants in Pakistan because of local as well as operate such plants in Pakistan because of local as well as foreign marketforeign market

The first food irradiation plant (60,000 tons )/year should The first food irradiation plant (60,000 tons )/year should be set up as an extension of PARAS since infrastructure & be set up as an extension of PARAS since infrastructure & manpower exists. It will be operative within a year. manpower exists. It will be operative within a year.

The cost to build a commercial food irradiation plant is in The cost to build a commercial food irradiation plant is in the range of US $3 million to $5 million, depending on its the range of US $3 million to $5 million, depending on its size, processing capacity, and other factors size, processing capacity, and other factors

PAEC will fabricate most of the equipment in its own PAEC will fabricate most of the equipment in its own workshops, reducing capital costs substantially. Plant will workshops, reducing capital costs substantially. Plant will be managed by PAEC.be managed by PAEC.

Capital cost will be 74 million only, will be able to payback Capital cost will be 74 million only, will be able to payback in 3 yearsin 3 years

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Second plant (60 Kt) at Karachi and 15 Kt Second plant (60 Kt) at Karachi and 15 Kt each at Multan, Peshawar and Quetta and each at Multan, Peshawar and Quetta and other major export points in the country other major export points in the country within 3 years timewithin 3 years time

The total capacity of these plants will be The total capacity of these plants will be 225 kilotons/year less than a tenth of the 225 kilotons/year less than a tenth of the spoilage of fruit. spoilage of fruit.