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Sunday, February 22, 1998

How it works

By The Associated Press

The two most common types of irradiation facilities and how they operate. Gamma rays

Source: Cobalt-60 rods.

Enclosure: Concrete structure with 6-foot-thick walls and ceiling.

Operation: Products are brought into enclosure on conveyer and exposed to cobalt-60 source, which kills bacteria such as E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella and listeria with rays similar to microwaves. Cobalt-60 stored in underground pool when not in use.

Advantages: Gamma rays penetrate deep into wide variety of meats and other food. Easy to have round-the-clock operation. Does not require highly technical training to operate. Distribution of dose through food is more even.

Disadvantages: Must operate continually to avoid wasting energy. More licensing requirements, including Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval. Cobalt-60 eventually decays and must be properly disposed of and replaced. Electron beams

Source: Magnetic generator.

Enclosure: Concrete structure with 6-foot-thick walls and ceiling.

Operation: Products are carried on conveyer belt in front of "horn," which irradiates with beam of electrons accelerated by generator. Kills same bacteria as gamma-ray version.

Advantages: Can be switched off and contains no radioactive isotope. Requires shorter exposure times. Fewer government permits required. No decaying substance to replace.

Disadvantages: Dose penetration much lower and varies greatly with density of products. Requires highly trained personnel and constant monitoring of conveyer speed and beam energy.

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