Insect irradiation not effective, says report

Press, 11 June 1987, Page 16

Insect irradiation not effective, says report

PA Wellington Irradiation dose rates suggested for killing insects in imports are generally not effective, according to a report to the working party on food irradiation. A horticultural science professor of Massey University, Professor Errol Hewett, said the doses were usually less than 1 kilogray — a radiation measure — which, however, sterilised or impaired the development of pests.

This would create difficulties, the report said. "Can you imagine the dilemma of a poor quarantine officer, having to decide, under pressure, if the wriggling larvae

emerging from a fruit in front of his eyes is sterile or not?”

The report said most of the insects so far tested for susceptibility to irradiation were not common to New Zealand and thus before the process was accepted tests would be needed.

Similarly, the effect of irradiation on produce grown in New Zealand had not been fully evaluated. Types of produce, variety, maturity at harvest and other factors needed to be tested.

The trade implications of adopting food irradiation also needed to be examined. The economic

value of New Zealand’s clean, green, anti-nuclear image needed to; be assessed. Conversely. New Zealand ; had to keep abreast of the latest in food technologies, the report said.

At present, there was little, if any commercial pressure from the horticultural industry to introduce Irradiation technology. Interest seemed to be generated by those who wanted to build or run the irradiation plants.

However, irradiation could have a quarantine use provided that cheaper, more effective techniques were not available.