Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 10.4.
United States Code of Federal Regulations 21CFR179.45: Adjuvants and
amendments approved for incorporation into certain packaging materials approved for
irradiated foods
Adjuvant/Amendment
Limit (by Wt. of Polymer)
Amides of erucic, linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acid.
1%
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
1%
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
1%
Calcium and sodium propionates
1%
Petroleum wax
1%
Mineral oil
1%
Stearates of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium
1%
Triethylene glycol
1%
Polypropylene, noncrystalline
2%
aroma of these commodities. New packaging materials and new combinations of
existing materials are brought to market each year. This poses a challenge for the
regulatory review and approval process for irradiation of packaging. For example,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fi lms are approved by the FDA under 21 CFR
179.45, but rigid and semirigid PETs are not. In cases where the use of the new pack-
aging material in the food-contact article results in a dietary concentration at or below
0.5 ppb, the FDA will consider requests to expand the permissible packaging materials
for irradiated foods. However, the processing conditions that must be met for such
exemptions to be granted (max. dose
3 kGy, oxygen - free packaging or vacuum -
frozen product) are usually not appropriate for fresh produce. New packaging materi-
als that are not currently approved for irradiation, such as biodegradable and
antimicrobial packages, adjuvants (antioxidants, stabilizers, etc.), plasticizers, colo-
rants, and adsorbent pads may need more research before being evaluated and approved
by the FDA (Komolprasert 2007 ).
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Consumer Acceptance
Commercial adoption of food irradiation has been limited. Foods that are approved
for irradiation make up a relatively short list. Uncertainties regarding the cost of the
process and consumer reluctance contribute to this, despite encouraging market
research data. Consumers are more willing to buy irradiated foods after they are pro-
vided information about the process, with 50% or more willing to buy irradiated food
if given the option (Bhumiratana and others 2007). Consumer education is the most
infl uential factor in the purchasing decision. A recent survey of different elements
within the produce industry found differences in acceptance of produce irradiation
(Anonymous 2007). A majority (63%) of growers/shippers believe that the produce
industry should push for irradiation or similar treatments, as long as product quality
can be preserved. Among packers, 40% supported irradiation and 40% were unde-
cided. A minority (30%) of growers/shippers think consumers would currently
purchase irradiated leafy greens and other produce. At the retail level, only 25%
of retailers believe there is consumer acceptance for irradiated produce and only 7%
of retailers actually stock irradiated produce. Education and outreach to retailers and
