Inactivation of food/feed spoilage fungi by gamma irradiation

Moulds belonging to Aspergillus genus, mainly A. flavus, A. niger and A. parasiticus, are among the most important representatives that cause spoilage of food and feed products. The growth of fungi in foods or feeds is inhibited with application of different technological processes and various chemical additives. One of technologies that could prevent the growth of mould is radiation technology that uses ionizing radiation. This effective technology is widely used in food processes to destroy pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms without compromising the safety, nutritional properties and sensory quality of the food.