How does radiation work to preserve foods?

Question

I'm doing a science project and need to know how radiation preserves food and how it works, so then, I can demosrate it to my class. I need souces please.

Answer 1

"Irradiation provides extra protection against foodborne illness which is unavailable by any other means. Even when meat, poultry, or eggs are prepared with the most advanced sanitation measures possible, harmful bacteria may be present. Irradiation provides an additional safeguard for the consumer, destroying 99.9% or more of E. coli 0157:H7, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, or other harmful bacteria that may be in raw food. "

Start at the link below for lots of info:

http://www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/EMD/envhealth/food_irradiation.html

Answer 2

Food Preservation By Irradiation

Answer 3

Radioactive materials give off alpha partiles, beta particles and gamma rays. The gamma rays which can go through packaging is used to kill all bacteria, mold or other organisms Products spoil due to bacteria and molds. They are sealed and have no living organisms they do not spoil. You can see some of the products on a shelf ner the meat counter, where there is sealed meats non refrigerated. In British Virgin Islands I saw milk that does not have to be refrigerated until after it is opened. I have seen in the states soy milk on a shelf not refrigerated. For class you could purchase some milk and give samples. There really is no way to demonstrate the process since you can not get radioactive materials. Do check on Google about the elements that are used for the gamma rays. Maybe you could make a model.
Also, many fresh foods now are irradiated to kill surface germs-strawberries that travel across country, mushooms, etc.

Answer 4

Radiation kills all the bacteria so nothing can grow to spoil the food.

Answer 5

All plants and animal food has bacteria in it. If u radiate the food it kills all the bacteria and prevents spoilage .