Cheong-Tae Kim

Identification of red pepper powder irradiated with different types of radiation using luminescence methods: A comparative study

The purpose of this study was to verify the reliability of photostimulated luminescence (PSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) methods for identifying irradiated foods, described in the European standards EN 13751:2002 and EN 1788:2001, respectively, which were established solely through interlaboratory studies on gamma-irradiated food. Red pepper powder samples irradiated with electron-beams (e-beams), gamma rays and high-energy X-rays were used as model foods. Samples irradiated with each radiation type at ⩾4 kGy could be correctly identified by the PSL method, whereas samples irradiated at ⩾0.5 kGy with each radiation type could be correctly recognized by the TL method when e-beams, gamma rays, or high-energy X-rays were used as normalization sources. However, different TL intensities were observed for minerals separated from red pepper powder for different irradiation sources, which was confirmed using pure quartz and K-feldspar minerals. Further interlaboratory studies are required to verify this phenomenon.

The impact of mineral separation procedure on thermoluminescence analysis of non-irradiated dried fish and shellfish

This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of different mineral separation procedures to validate the EN1788 (2001) European Union standard protocol for better identification of irradiated fish and shellfish. The silicate minerals were isolated with physical density separation method from two types of non-irradiated freeze-dried fish and shellfish that included Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), mackerel (Scomber japonicus), shrimp (Penaeidae metapenaeus), and mussel (Mytilus coruscus). Radiation-specific thermoluminescence (TL) peaks (glow curve 1) were observed between 150–250 °C. The peaks are typical for the irradiated food; despite the samples being not irradiated. Apparently it showed that the isolated minerals were contaminated with organic materials such as bone, etc. Acid-hydrolysis digestion was employed to remove the possible contaminants. The minerals obtained through alternative pre-treatment showed no TL curves in radiation specific temperature range. Moreover, acid hydrolysis extraction ...

Applicability of thermoluminescence techniques to identify irradiated seafoods using different methods of mineral separation: An interlaboratory blind trial

Thermoluminescence (TL) technique for identifying γ-irradiated (0–10 kGy) anchovies (dried), kelp (dried), and mackerel (fresh) was validated in an interlaboratory blind trial. Different irradiation detection laboratories were involved by using 2 methods of mineral separation (density separation and acid hydrolysis) for the analysis. Key TL parameters, including the TL glow-curve shape, intensity, and the TL ratio (TL1/TL2) were used to characterize the irradiation status. All irradiated samples exhibited an intense TL peak at approximately 200°C, which was absent in non-irradiated samples. TL glow curve interpretations were also confirmed by determining the TL ratio. Different participating laboratories reported 89–100% correct results. Both methods of mineral separation were equally effective; however, some variation was observed in the results from different laboratories for irradiated mackerel, which might be due to a lack of isolated minerals, differences in personnel expertise, and different TL instruments.