Philippine Journal of Science
149 (S1): 113-116, Special Issue on Nuclear S&T
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 19 Jun 2019

 

Gamma Irradiation for the Inactivation of Aspergillus flavus
Link in Copra (Dried Cocos nucifera L. Meat)

 

Darcy L. de Asis¹*, Roy B. Tumlos¹, and Glenn I. Sia Su²

 

¹Department of Physical Science and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences,
University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
²Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences,
University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila, Philippines

 

*Corresponding author: dldeasis@up.edu.ph

 

[Download]
de Asis D et al. 2020. Gamma Irradiation for the Inactivation of Aspergillus flavus
Link in Copra (Dried Cocos nucifera L. Meat). Philipp J Sci 149(S1): 113–116.
https://doi.org/10.56899/149.S1.14

 

 

ABSTRACT

Aspergillus flavus is a known source of aflatoxin and other carcinogens that contaminates perishable goods such as copra, one of the top exports of the Philippines. Fungal contamination in perishable products has caused post-harvest losses and a significant threat to food safety and security. Existing methods to control or prohibit the growth of fungi have been a tedious process proven to be open to subsequent contamination. This study assessed the capability of gamma irradiation in inactivating A. flavus in copra. Locally acquired copra was inoculated with 5.8 × 103 CFU⁄ml of A. flavus’ spores. The contaminated copra was irradiated with varying doses of gamma radiation (0.3, 0.7, 1, 3 kGy). Results showed a decreasing trend in the fungal count as the absorbed doses of gamma irradiation increased. Irradiation of 0.7 kGy achieved a significant reduction of fungal count satisfying regulatory limits. The largest reduction in the fungal count was achieved by 3 kGy with < 1 log CFU⁄ml molds and yeast count (MYC). This study concludes that gamma radiation is effective in inactivating A. flavus.