Cheapest Radiation for Food Preservation

Cheapest & most frequently used radiation for food preservation is:

Correct Answer: Gamma rays

Gamma rays are the cheapest and most frequently used radiation for food preservation, including meat preservation.

Key Facts about Gamma Rays in Food Preservation

• Gamma rays are obtained from radioactive isotopes Co⁶⁰ (Cobalt-60) and Cs¹³⁷ (Caesium-137).
• They have high penetrating power and can sterilize food deep inside the package without heating.
• The process is called cold sterilization or radurization/radicidation/radappertization depending on the dose.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• X-rays — used in food irradiation but are more expensive and less commonly used commercially.
• Alpha rays — have very low penetrating power and are not used for food preservation.
• U.V. rays — used only for surface sterilization of meat; cannot penetrate deep into food.

Summary of Radiation Types Used in Meat

• Gamma rays → cheapest, most common, deep penetration (Co⁶⁰, Cs¹³⁷)
• U.V. rays → surface sterilization only