Researchers in Russia have outlined a straightforward approach to determine how much irradiation plant foods have absorbed. The update was shared by the press service of Moscow State University. This kind of measurement is essential because most foods undergo a disinfection process before reaching stores. The aim is to extend shelf life and curb the growth of pathogens. Ionizing radiation, including X rays and gamma rays, is a commonly used method. However, different foods tolerate different radiation thresholds before quality is affected. For example, cereals require a relatively modest dose, while spices may need much more substantial exposure. Excessive radiation can alter taste or render products unsafe, so scientists are seeking simple, reliable ways to gauge the dose each item has received.
A team of chemists from Moscow State University has proposed a novel technique to measure radiation dose. In their study, they used a common potato, a staple that is often irradiated to prevent germination during storage. The researchers employed carboxylic dyes as indicators. They tested two approaches. In the first, redox reactions driven by copper ions caused the dye to change color. In the second, the dye tended to aggregate with components in the solution, producing a color shift. The team recorded color changes using optical measurements and near infrared readings obtained with a standard smartphone camera. They then analyzed the resulting data to draw conclusions about irradiation levels.
One of the researchers, Evgeny Skorobogatov, explained the concept: different radiation doses lead to different rates of dye oxidation. As a result, samples subjected to higher doses show lower color intensity and weaker fluorescence than samples exposed to lower doses. This relationship forms the basis of a practical test that can indicate how much radiation a product has absorbed.
Experts believe that the proposed approach could evolve into a simple and rapid testing system for measuring radiation exposure in individual products. The method promises to be fast, inexpensive, and scalable, using readily available reagents and straightforward data processing. The researchers anticipate that such a test could be deployed on a mass scale without increasing the final cost of goods for consumers.
In this context, the development aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and integrity in supply chains. By translating complex chemical signals into accessible measurements, the approach aims to give producers and regulators a practical tool for monitoring irradiation levels in a range of plant-based foods.
The work underscores a broader trend toward making advanced analytical techniques more practical for routine quality control. If adopted, the method could help standardize irradiation testing across the food industry, contributing to clearer guidelines and safer products for consumers in North America and beyond.