image: The Sunna Dosimeter(tm) is a small, plastic wafer that is being marketed to accompany food products during irradiation (cold pasteurization). The dosimeter ensures that products receive doses within regulatory requirements. Shining blue light on the irradiated dosimeter induces it to emit red light (fluorescence). The intensity of the red provides the dose value that the food received, with a high degree of accuracy. Cold pasteurization destroys pathogens like E. coli and Listeria. Cold-pasteurized hamburger and chicken, as well as some produce, will be available in a limited number of supermarkets soon, and are expected to be readily available to consumers in the next few years. view more
Credit: Courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.