18B-19 |
|
P. GADGIL and J. S. Smith. Food Science Institute, Kansas State Univ., 229 Call Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 Alkylcyclobutanones (ACBs) are unique byproducts of irradiation generated by the radiolysis of free fatty acids. These compounds are controversial because they are found only in irradiated foods. Concerns regarding toxicity of these compounds and lack of literature thereof is partly responsible for the low acceptability of irradiated foods by consumers. If ACB levels can be decreased by antioxidants or other free radical scavengers, concerns and misgiving regarding irradiated foods should decrease. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant powder Origanox on the formation of 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-DCB) which is formed from palmitic acid in irradiated ground beef. The major active component of Origanox is rosmarinic acid. Ground beef patties containing 0.08% Origanox were irradiated by gamma irradiation at a target dose of 3.0 kGy. Irradiated patties without Origanox and non irradiated patties served as irradiated and sample controls. The 2-DCB was extracted using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The GC-MS was operated in the selected ion monitoring mode, for ions m/z 98 and 112. The average concentration of 2-DCB in the Origanox patties was 0.030 ± 0.006 ppm and for irradiated controls it was 0.027 ± 0.003 ppm. Even though the 2-DCB concentration was slightly higher in the Origanox patties the difference was not statistically significant. The 2-DCB was not detected in the non irradiated patties. Our results show that Origanox was not successful in reducing 2-DCB levels in frozen irradiated ground beef. Even though this compound in known as an effective antioxidant it was not able to prevent the free radical induced reaction that leads to ACB formation. Thus, if ACB formation is to be decreased, other more potent antioxidants need to be examined.
Session 18B, Food Chemistry: Antioxidant and bioactive agents
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |