Process optimization of electron beam radiation on chilled pork

Effects of electron beam radiation on sterilization and color of chilled pork（14-15 cm in length, 7-8 cm in breadth, 2-2.5 cm in height）were studied by using response surface analysis through taking electron beam energy and dose as factors, colony form unit, value of redness, and value of lightness as responses. The results were as follows: There was an interaction between electron beam energy and dose, but electron beam energy played a leading role in sterilization. When dose ranged from 3.09 to 3.63 kGy and electron beam energy ranged from 2.37 to 3.51 MeV, the colony form unit would drop 2 logarithm units. The value of redness was minimum value when dose was 2.38 kGy and electron beam energy was 2.64 MeV. The value of redness was close to the control when the dose ranged from 2.24 to 2.99 kGy and the electron beam energy ranged from 2.28 to 2.91 MeV. The value of lightness was maximum and closed to the control as dose was 2.67 kGy and electron beam energy was 2.55 MeV. The value of lightness would become more acceptable when the dose ranged from 2.05 to 2.92 kGy and electron beam energy ranged from 2.09 to 2.8 MeV. The results showed that the optimal parameters of electron beam radiation on chilled pork were 2.8 MeV and 3.09 kGy. This study would provide the technical basis for application of electron beam radiation on pork industry.