Question

Match the purpose of irradiation in Group I with respect to irradiation dose in kGy given in Group II.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
• B. A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
• C. A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
• D. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV

Hint:

Irradiation doses are classified into:
- Low dose (\({<} 1\text{ kGy}\)): Sprouting inhibition, insect disinfestation, ripening delay.
- Medium dose (\(1\text{--}10\text{ kGy}\)): Extension of shelf-life, reduction of pathogens (radicidation).
- High dose (\({>} 10\text{ kGy}\)): Industrial sterilization of spices and medical devices.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Food irradiation is a physical preservation technology that exposes food to controlled levels of ionizing radiation (gamma rays, electron beams, or X-rays).
The required dosage (measured in kilograys, kGy) is tailored specifically to achieve different technological and biological objectives.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us match the target purpose with the recommended low-to-medium irradiation doses:
- A. Delaying maturity (and ripening in fruits): Requires a slightly higher low-dose treatment of \(0.25\text{--}1.0\text{ kGy}\) (A-IV).
- B. Sprout inhibition (in potatoes, onions, and garlic): Requires extremely low doses of \(0.05\text{--}0.15\text{ kGy}\) (B-III) to damage the growth tip cells.
- C. Extending shelf life (radurization of meats, fish, or fresh produce): Requires a medium dose of \(1.0\text{--}3.0\text{ kGy}\) (C-II) to significantly reduce the vegetative bacterial load.
- D. Insect infestation (disinfestation of stored grains and spices): Requires low doses of \(0.15\text{--}0.5\text{ kGy}\) (D-I) to sterilize or kill insect pests and their eggs.
Therefore, the correct match is: A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I.

Step 3: Final Answer:
This sequence of matches corresponds to option (A).