Irradiation of spices and its detection

Abstract In this study, possible methods for detecting irradiation of spices are reviewed. Of the different kinds of techniques, the most promising control methods are thermo‐ and chemiluminescence and the microbiological and viscosimetric methods. The suitability of analytical methods for detecting possible degradation of the main compounds in the aromas of spices during irradiation is also discussed. The irradiation of spices can be detected reliably with thermoluminescence and by chemiluminescence measurements. Advantages of a new thermoluminescence method, based on mineral measurements, are also presented. Spices and their microbial contents and decontamination are discussed. Combined use of the direct epifluorescent filter technique (DEFT) and the aerobic plate count method (APC) is possibly a suitable method for detecting the irradiation of spices. Also, viscosity measurements combined with luminometric methods have been considered as possible detection methods.