Practical application of food irradiation in Turkey
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Date
2003
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan / Institute of Nuclear Physics
Abstract
Turkey is the world’s leading producer and exporter of dried fruits (dried figs, raisins, and dried apricots etc.) and nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts etc.) all of which have to be fumigated by methyl bromide a few times prior to export. Last fumigation is obligatory before shipment according to current quarantine treatment. Methyl Bromide (MeBr) fumigation is the most commonly used insect quarantine treatment for dried fruits and nuts in Turkey to protect from potential infestations.
In accordance with the Montreal Protocol, Turkey as an Article 5(1) country will take actions to regulate and take measures to phase-out MeBr use. So, Turkey has to total phase-out in 2015 but according to Turkey MeBr Phase-out Action Plan prepared and published by The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs in 2001,
using MeBr should be reduced for stored commodities by 50% by 2002 and phased-out totally by 2004. Irradiation technology is ready as an alternative to MeBr fumigation under the Action Plan of Turkey.
Intensive research studies on food irradiation in Turkey have started in early 1970's and have still been continued. After careful and intensive works of all related authorities and specialists for a long period and with the help of ICGFI, the food irradiation regulation of Turkey was published in Official Newspaper on November 6, 1999. Having the Food Irradiation Regulation has supported to initiate commercialization study in Turkey in Co-operation with IAEA (TUR 5022).
Feasibility study of a commercial food irradiation facility for the potential application of food irradiation in Turkey was prepared by IAEA experts Dr.M.Ahmed and Ir. J.P.Lacroix and together with TUR 5022 Research Team in
April 2001 in Izmir, Turkey.
Gamma-Pak Irradiation Facility in Cerkeskoy-Tekirdag got the commercial food irradiation license and registration certificate in Feb. 2002. Practical application of food irradiation is getting more attraction in Turkey in parallel with other countries.
Description
TENMAK D.N.3328
Keywords
Food irradiation, Gıda ışınlaması, Turkey, Turkey
Citation
Çetinkaya, N. ve İç, E. (2003). Practical application of food irradiation in Turkey. The Second Eurasian Conference on Nuclear Science and Its Application : Presentations, 3.c., (s.145-158). 16-19 September 2002. Almaty : Kazakhstan.