QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF FRESH-CUT-FRUITS BY GAMMA RADIATION FOR IMMUNE-COMPROMISED PATIENTS

Objective: Immune-compromised patients are vulnerable to microbes, which are usually safe and sound for healthy individuals. The aim of this study is to provide a quality fresh fruits such as apple, grape, guava, pear and plum for immune-compromised personnel sing different doses of gamma radiation. Methods: Irradiation impacts on microbial number, in treated fruits were assessed and compared to sanitary microbial safety criteria for immune-compromised patients as suggested by IAEA. Fresh-cut fruits were exposed to various doses of gamma radiation (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kGy) and microbial load was analyzed. Results: Microbiological analysis showed that aerobic plate counts in case of guava, grape and pearwere4.53, 3.42 and 3.24 log CFU/g respectively which were eliminated at 1.0 kGy. Aerobic spores, except apple, were totally eliminated just at 0.5 kGy. Similarly, at 0.5 kGy, total Coli form in plum, pear, guava and apple, which were 4.43, 2.25, 2.0 and 1.04 CFU/g respectively, as well as pathogenic Listeria spp. 3.3 log CFU/gin guava were also eradicated. Staphylococcus aureus were detected only in fresh-cut guava in the level of 3.77 log CFU/g that was eliminated at 1.0 kGy. Yeast and mold found in processed plum and pear were about 4.0 and 1.47 log CFU/g respectively, were eliminated at 0.5 kGy. Conclusion: We found that radiation dose of 1.0 kGy fulfilled the microbial safety criteria for immune-compromised patients.