This book has been written for those whose interests bridge food
processing and physicochemical aspects of radiation. It is not intended
to be a comprehensive review of publications concerning foods and
radiations. Instead, it is an attempt to familiarize the reader with
pertinent knowledge of a unified, interdisciplinary concept of various
electromagnetic radiations and corresponding effects on foods.
Consideration was given to similarities and differ- ences between
various segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. The broad approach of
this book was considered to be crucial for cross-discipline comparisons.
The reader is introduced to the electromagnetic spectrum in the Prologue
and then the book follows the wavelengths, from short to long values.
Chapter 1 deals with ionizing radiation: historical background, sources
of radiation employed in food treatment, units of measurement, and
fundamentals of radiation chemistry. A survey of potential applications
of ionizing radiation in food technology is followed by a description of
methods for radiation dosimetry. Safety and wholesomeness of irradiated
foods, analytical methods for postirradiation dosimetry in foods, and
consumer acceptance of food irradiation conclude this section. Chapter 2
intrudes into the next segment of the spectrum: ultra- violet-visible
radiation. The general presentation of this electro- magnetic emission
and illumination source enables the discussion of its effects on foods,
including applications in food analysis.