Pilot-scale irradiation and consume

Pilot-scale irradiation and consumer acceptance studies with tubers and bulbs have been performed with positive results already in the 1970s in a number of other countries, e.g.. Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Israel. the Philippines. Thailand, and Uruguay, showing the techno-economic feasibility of irradi-ation of these crops. However, in countries under temperate climates, cool storage by circulating cold outside air, together with the use of chemical sprout inhibitors, provide inexpensive and satisfactory sprout control with reasonably good product quality for both industrial processing and household consumption, Thus industrial interest in commercial implementation in Western countries for sprout inhibition is still very low, basically because it involves high capital investment for relatively low-price crops, perceived consumer opposition to irradiated foods, regulation and trade limitations, and labeling requirements. However, the use of chemicals is coming under increasing scrutiny from the viewpoints of environmental pollution and health risk from residues left in the products. Therefore it is likely that their continued use will be restricted.