5-3 |
Selection of suitable packaging materials for E-beam use |
G. D. SADLER, National Center for Food Safety & Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology, IIT Moffett Campus, 6502 S. Archer Rd., Summit-Argo, IL 60501 Polymers depending upon their chemical characteristics are resistant to irradiation up to a certain level. Generally speaking, any polymer (including paper) is resistant to changes in properties up to 10Gy of treatment. The irradiation resistance of polymers depend on the extent of substitution, presence of hydrogen atoms on carbon, and presence of aromatic or conjugated structures. There are federal regulations that govern the use of polymers that are used for pre-packaged foods that are intended for irradiation. Though plastic packaging represents only a small fraction of the food weight, many consider the issues surrounding packaging materials to be the greatest obstacle to widespread utilization of food irradiation in the United States. This presentation will provide the audience practical information regarding the polymers that are approved for food irradiation, the polymers specifically approved for E-beam irradiation and will also highlight the polymer approval process.
Session 5, E-Beam technology: Where are we in terms of the science?
|