Volume 12, Issue 2 (June 2025)
J. Food Qual. Hazards Control 2025, 12(2): 127-138 |
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Abrera G, Diano G, Tolentino M, Gragasin M, Cobar M, Caraos G, et al . Gamma Irradiation of Brown Rice: Effects of Dose, Variety, Paddy Age, and Packaging on Fungal Control, Shelf-Life and Post-Harvest Cost Estimate. J. Food Qual. Hazards Control 2025; 12 (2) :127-138
URL: http://jfqhc.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1240-en.html
URL: http://jfqhc.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1240-en.html
G.B. Abrera 
, G. Diano , M.M. Tolentino , M.C.B. Gragasin , M.L.C. Cobar , G. Caraos , Z.M. De Guzman , H.M. Solomon , C.O. Asaad , C.C. Deocaris *
, G. Diano , M.M. Tolentino , M.C.B. Gragasin , M.L.C. Cobar , G. Caraos , Z.M. De Guzman , H.M. Solomon , C.O. Asaad , C.C. Deocaris *
Biomedical Research Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines , ccdeocaris@pnri.dost.gov.ph
Abstract: (13 Views)
Background: Brown rice offers superior nutritional value compared to polished white rice but is less favored in rice-consuming countries due to its limited shelf-life. This study evaluates the efficacy of gamma irradiation in reducing fungal contamination in brown rice and extending its shelf-life, considering factors such as paddy age, rice variety, and packaging type.
Methods: The efficacy of gamma irradiation (0-1 kGy) in reducing fungal contamination in brown rice was evaluated. RC-160 and SL-7 rice varieties (240 kg per variety) were harvested from Central Luzon (Region III) during the dry season (March–April 2023). One kg of two and eight-week-old paddy grains were packed in either Super Bag™, an International Rice Research Institute developed hermetic packaging, or conventional Polyethylene bags. Mold and Yeast Counts were quantified using 3M Petrifilm™ following Association of Official Agricultural Chemists official methods. Fifty g of each sample were homogenized in Butterfield’s phosphate buffer, serially diluted, plated, and incubated at 25±1 °C for 3-5 days. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test with Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research (STAR) software, version 2.0.1 (IRRI).
Results: Gamma irradiation at one kGy significantly (p<0.05) reduced Mold and Yeast Counts, with effects sustained for up to eight months. Paddy age and packaging type had no significant influence on fungal load. A dose of 0.58 kGy achieved a 1-log (90%) reduction in Aspergillus niger, while 3 kGy achieved complete inactivation, extending shelf-life up to six months. Cost analysis showed irradiation, logistics, and added storage fees increased retail price per kg by 0.14, 0.04, and US$0.02, respectively.
Conclusions: Gamma irradiation effectively controls fungal contamination and extends brown rice shelf-life, potentially enhancing consumer confidence and promoting wider adoption of brown rice.
DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.12.2.18863
Methods: The efficacy of gamma irradiation (0-1 kGy) in reducing fungal contamination in brown rice was evaluated. RC-160 and SL-7 rice varieties (240 kg per variety) were harvested from Central Luzon (Region III) during the dry season (March–April 2023). One kg of two and eight-week-old paddy grains were packed in either Super Bag™, an International Rice Research Institute developed hermetic packaging, or conventional Polyethylene bags. Mold and Yeast Counts were quantified using 3M Petrifilm™ following Association of Official Agricultural Chemists official methods. Fifty g of each sample were homogenized in Butterfield’s phosphate buffer, serially diluted, plated, and incubated at 25±1 °C for 3-5 days. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test with Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research (STAR) software, version 2.0.1 (IRRI).
Results: Gamma irradiation at one kGy significantly (p<0.05) reduced Mold and Yeast Counts, with effects sustained for up to eight months. Paddy age and packaging type had no significant influence on fungal load. A dose of 0.58 kGy achieved a 1-log (90%) reduction in Aspergillus niger, while 3 kGy achieved complete inactivation, extending shelf-life up to six months. Cost analysis showed irradiation, logistics, and added storage fees increased retail price per kg by 0.14, 0.04, and US$0.02, respectively.
Conclusions: Gamma irradiation effectively controls fungal contamination and extends brown rice shelf-life, potentially enhancing consumer confidence and promoting wider adoption of brown rice.
DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.12.2.18863
Type of Study: Original article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 24/11/27 | Accepted: 25/04/30 | Published: 25/06/22
Received: 24/11/27 | Accepted: 25/04/30 | Published: 25/06/22
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