Gamma Irradiation as a Quarantine Treatment for Dried Figs : Compliance with International Food Standards

Current research is intended towards the use of low doses Cobalt 60 gamma irradiation not only for extending the shelf life of dried figs but to reduce the extent of fatal clinical outbreaks associated with consumption of contaminated dried figs. Ultimately post harvest losses due to multi-stage processing of fruit will be also reduced. For this purpose two low doses i.e. 0.25 and 0.5 kGy were selected in order to achieve targeted goals. Selected doses were optimum for maintenance of sensory attributes and controlling infestation. The study resulted in conclusion that for reducing the overall bio-burden either higher doses or lower doses in combination with safe physico-chemical treatments should be used.