Abstract
This article presents the results of a study the effectiveness of radiation treatment using the ILU-10 electron accelerator in order to extend the shelf life of food products by controlling bacterial contamination (sulfite-reducing clostridium – Clostridium spp.). The ILU-10 device is designed for sterilization and disinfection of products without the use of chemicals. Clostridia spp. are an important indicator of microbiological control in the food industry. They are the cause of food spoilage, and some types of clostridium can cause massive disease of the human digestive system. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this device in reducing of Clostridium spp. with different radiation doses in the range from 3 to 9 kGr. It was found that a dose of 3 kGr is sufficient to reduce bacterial contamination of beef, fish (pike), and fish cutlets. In general, the maximum antibacterial effect was achieved at three doses.