Packaging method for removing off-odors from irradiated foods using charcoal

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a packaging method for removing off-odors from irradiated foods using charcoal. In a package, foods are irradiated along with charcoal so as to remove the off-odors produced. The method can effectively remove off-odors from irradiated foods without influencing the sensory and physicochemical properties thereof, thereby allowing irradiation to be conducted and thus greatly contributing to food safety.

1 . A packaging method for removing off-odors from irradiated foods using charcoal, comprising: 
 preparing a sealed sac including charcoal therein,    air- or vacuum-packaging food, along with the sac, in a container; and    irradiating the packaged food.    
   
   
       2 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the charcoal is oak charcoal.  
   
   
       3 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the charcoal is included in the sac in an amount from 1 to 15 wt % based on the weight of the packaged food.  
   
   
       4 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the charcoal is included in the sac in an amount from 5 to 10 wt % based on the weight of the packaged food.  
   
   
       5 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the sac is made from non-woven fabric.  
   
   
       6 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the sac further includes an absorbent selected from zeolite and silica or a preservative and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       7 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the food is selected from a group consisting of meat, fish, dairy products, vegetables, fruit, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       8 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the irradiating step is conducted using gamma rays, X-rays or an accelerated electron beam.  
   
   
       9 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the irradiating step is conducted using gamma rays from Co-60.  
   
   
       10 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the irradiating step is conducted with a radiation dose from 1 to 100 kGy.  
   
   
       11 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the irradiating step is conducted with a radiation dose from 1 to 20 kGy.  
   
   
       12 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the irradiating step is conducted with a radiation dose from 5 to 10 kGy.