Why irradiate?
Sterilisation & Pasteurisation
Low doses of irradiation can be used to reduce the presence of microbes and eliminate pathogens in spices and dehydrated vegetables. Higher doses can also be used to sterilise medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and packaging.
Quarantine control
Imported goods can be controlled tightly with the help of irradiation. Garlic & ginger can be treated and prevented from rooting, the spread of AFB can be controlled in honey, and various viruses and pathogens can be eliminated in pet chews.
phytosanitary treatment
Another great use case for irradiation is the prevention of the spread of insects in a variety of imported/exported table fruit. This specific use of is known as phytosanitary treatment.
Products we Irradiate.
Spices, being dry products, respond well to irradiation to control insect infestations and microbiological control.
Pathogens are destroyed and the acceptable TPC is achieved as set out in the Regulations as published by the Department of Health.
Doses are typically in the range of 2kGy to 10kGy.
Pathogens are destroyed and the acceptable TPC is achieved as set out in the Regulations as published by the Department of Health.
Doses are typically in the range of 2kGy to 10kGy.
The purpose for irradiating honey is to control American Foulbrood Disease (AFB) which is common throughout the world and devastating to beehives as it destroys the grubs before they have a chance to develop. Very quickly the hive dies out as no new bees hatch. The disease is easily spread from hive to hive as the bees pollinate the same plants. Honey is received in 300Lt drums, tested for antibiotics by the Department of Health and once found free of a spectrum of said antibiotics, the go ahead is given to proceed with irradiation.
The irradiation of the honey before it is used by the various industries prevents the spread of the AFB. South Africa is the only country which legislates for the irradiation of honey as a method to control AFB.
Honey being used for medical purposes is irradiated at high doses -25kGy (for treatment of burn wounds among other applications).
The irradiation of the honey before it is used by the various industries prevents the spread of the AFB. South Africa is the only country which legislates for the irradiation of honey as a method to control AFB.
Honey being used for medical purposes is irradiated at high doses -25kGy (for treatment of burn wounds among other applications).
HEPRO Cape has been licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture to irradiate table grapes for export to the USA. Several fruit types have been extensively tested, namely plums, litchis, persimmons, citrus, apples and pears.
Fruit exported to the USA currently must undergo a Cold Sterilisation process entailing the continuous application of -0.55 ⁰C for a minimum of 22 days. For many fruit types this is too harsh a process and thus they cannot be exported to different countries. Irradiation offers a technology which is effective against a broad spectrum of insects – does not heat the fruit and is relatively quick. Its costs compare well with the cold sterilisation technique and opens new markets for fruit not able to be treated with cold sterilisation.
Fruit exported to the USA currently must undergo a Cold Sterilisation process entailing the continuous application of -0.55 ⁰C for a minimum of 22 days. For many fruit types this is too harsh a process and thus they cannot be exported to different countries. Irradiation offers a technology which is effective against a broad spectrum of insects – does not heat the fruit and is relatively quick. Its costs compare well with the cold sterilisation technique and opens new markets for fruit not able to be treated with cold sterilisation.
• Laboratory Equipment
• Medical Devices
Irradiation for the sterilisation of medical products has been used for more than 40 years in the control of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Gamma Irradiation is a reliable and effective technology against a broad spectrum of pathogens and viruses. Products are irradiated in their final packaging as the gamma rays penetrate the packaging.
There is never a residue and products may be used immediately after having been irradiated.
• Medical Devices
Irradiation for the sterilisation of medical products has been used for more than 40 years in the control of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Gamma Irradiation is a reliable and effective technology against a broad spectrum of pathogens and viruses. Products are irradiated in their final packaging as the gamma rays penetrate the packaging.
There is never a residue and products may be used immediately after having been irradiated.
Products for the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industries are being irradiated for control of microbiological contamination and this complements the use of heat treatment by these industries. Gamma Irradiation is a reliable and effective technology against a broad spectrum of pathogens and viruses. Products may be irradiated as raw materials or in their final packaging as the gamma rays penetrate the packaging.
Imported pet chews made from bovine or porcine hides are irradiated as a quarantine measure to prevent potential spread of pathogens. The resulting product is safe for pets and avoids bringing diseases into homes, thus safeguarding people against diseases.
Food for laboratory animals is irradiated so as to ensure there are zero pathogens present on the food which is fed to immune compromised animals.
Food for laboratory animals is irradiated so as to ensure there are zero pathogens present on the food which is fed to immune compromised animals.
Garlic which has been freshly lifted is irradiated at a low dose to prevent the garlic from sprouting.
Similarly Ginger and Onions are irradiated to prevent sprouting.
Got a question? See our FAQ'sSimilarly Ginger and Onions are irradiated to prevent sprouting.
