Voice: 215-836-3754
Fax:  215-233-6406
e-mail:  csommers@errc.ars.usda.gov

Xuetong Fan,  215-836-3785
xfan@errc.ars.usda.gov

Brendan A. Niemira,  215-836-3784
bniemira@errc.ars.usda.gov

Kathleen Rajkowski, 215-233-6440
krajkowski@errc.ars.usda.gov

Daniel Schwartz, Ph.D.,  215-836-3793
dschwartz@errc.ars.usda.gov

Kelly Lonczynski,  215-233-6449
klonczynski@errc.ars.usda.gov

Richard Richardson, 215-233-6441
rrichardson@errc.ars.usda.gov

Objectives:

Ionizing radiation is a safe and effective tool for the sanitization of foods.  The purpose of this research is to improve the microbiological safety and shelf-life of food by treating it with ionizing radiation alone or in combination with other food processing technologies.  The project addresses problems that have resulted in outbreaks of foodborne disease and recalls due to microbiological contamination of ground beef, poultry, processed meats, fruits, fruit juices, and vegetables including frankfurters, sprouts, and fruit juices.  The research results are expected to be used by food processors, public health officials and consumers so as to maximize the safety, nutritional value and desirability of irradiated foods.

Links and Additional Information:

• International Consultative Group on Food Irradiation:  http://www.iaea.or.at/icgfi
• Centers for Disease Control:  http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/foodirradiation.htm
• US Food and Drug Administration:  http://www.fda.gov/opacom/catalog/irradbro.html

Major Equipment:

• Lockheed Corp. Cesium 137 Gamma Irradiation Source - 100,000 Ci (0.0966 kGy/min), temperature controlled (-30C to ambient)
• Vitek AMS Automicrobic System, bioMeriuex Vitek, Inc.
• Biolog 96-well microbiological identification system
• Modern, well- equipped microbiology, chemistry and food processing laboratories
• Multiple automated cell counters, modified atmosphere packaging equipment
• Hunter color meter
• Texture Technologies texture analyzer
• AromaScan electronic nose
• GC/MS, HPLC chemical analysis equipment
• Access to fully equipped ERRC sensory panel room
• ERRC microscopy facility with full-time staff and SEM, TEM and confocal laser microscopy techniques

Cooperative Research:

"Microbiological and sensorial response of Listeria monocytogenes - inoculated leafy salad vegetables following irradiation and refrigerated storage under modified atmosphere" (B.A. Niemira, principal researcher).  Participatory research with the International Atomic Energy Agency's Cooperative Research Project "Use of irradiation of ensure hygienic quality of fresh, pre-cut fruits and vegetables and other minimal processed food of plant origin".  http://www.iaea.org/programmes/nafa/d5/crp/d5_0101.html

Annual Reports

Updated: September 07, 2005