Canadian
Medical Marijuana Exemption
Cannabis
Irradiation
Health
Canada's Medical Cannabis and what they do before it gets to the
patient
Food irradiation
was first developed in the United States
and the United Kingdom during the 1960s. Despite being one of the most
studied food technologies, information on food irradiation has not been
well communicated to the broader public, largely because of the
complexity of the subject matter. The purpose of these questions and
answers is to provide some basic facts about this process.
1. What is food irradiation?
Food irradiation is a method of
preserving food by using a type of radiation energy. It is one of
several techniques that can be used by food producers to protect the
quality of food before it reaches the grocery store. Other techniques
include cooking or heating, canning, chemical treatments, and steam
pasteurization. Food irradiation could also be used in combination with
these techniques.
2. Why
irradiate
food and how does irradiation protect food?
Irradiation is used in food
processing for several reasons:
- To prevent food poisoning: by reducing the level of harmful
bacteria such as E.coli O157:H7, Salmonella and Campylobacter, and
parasites which cause food borne diseases.
- To prevent spoilage: by reducing the microbial load on
foods, meaning it destroys bacteria, molds and yeast which cause food
to spoil, and controls insect and parasite infestation.
- To increase shelf life: by slowing the ripening or
sprouting in fresh fruits and vegetables, thereby allowing for longer
shelf life.
3. How much radiation is used?
The amount of radiation energy used
or needed for a particular
application varies depending on the food and the reason for
irradiating. Typically, to increase shelf life or to prevent spoilage a
low dose of irradiation is required, only 1 kilogray (kGy) of absorbed
energy. To prevent food poisoning, the dose will depend on the type of
bacteria being targeted and the type of food. An absorbed dose of up to
3 kGy is usually sufficient to kill Salmonella in fresh chicken.
Generally, it takes higher levels of radiation to kill parasites and
insects. Viruses, for the most part, are not destroyed by the
irradiation levels that are suitable for use in foods.
If you really want to get specific
you can check for yourself with your own...
PRM-8000
Geiger Counter - Nuclear Radiation Detector
Other Important Health Canada MMAR
Related Links
Introduction To
Health Canada's MMAR Program
Patient Eligibility
Application Process
Obtaining Marijuana
Possessing Marijuana
Health Canada's Marijuana Supply
Growing Marijuana Licensing
|
Get
this Widget
