FURI | Spring 2021

Detection of Irradiated Foods Packed in Plastic and Glass Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometry

Food irradiation is performed to improve the safety of foods by reducing pathogenic microorganisms. Many foodstuffs are irradiated to preserve and prolong their life span. Though a standard symbol exists, very few commercial vendors display it on consumer products. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometers can be used to detect the paramagnetic centers that are created in foodstuff and any packaging if present during the irradiation. However, this technique is not commonly used because the current equipment is bulky and expensive. The research focused on the use of an open-air EPR spectrometer developed by the Sci-Hub team that is inexpensive and portable to detect irradiated foods.