Reducing post harvest losses of foods: The prospect of food irradiation in Nigeria

O. A. Ashaye; J. O. Aina; O. T.  Olanipekun; E. A. Ejigbo; S. B. Fasoyiro; E. O. Farinde

Authors

O. A. Ashaye Institute of Agricultural Research and Training P.M.B 5029, Moor-Plantation Ibadan.
Aina J. O. Department of Food Technology, University of Ibadan
Olanipekun O. T. Institute of Agricultural Research and Training P.M.B 5029, Moor-Plantation Ibadan.
Ejigbo E. A. Institute of Agricultural Research and Training P.M.B 5029, Moor-Plantation Ibadan.
Fasoyiro S. B. Institute of Agricultural Research and Training P.M.B 5029, Moor-Plantation Ibadan.
Farinde E. O. Institute of Agricultural Research and Training P.M.B 5029, Moor-Plantation Ibadan.

Keywords:

Gamma irradiation, Food losses, Macronutrients, Post-harvest.

Abstract

The prevailing wave of colossal losses of post-harvest foods in Nigeria is a sure menace that needs urgent and decisive action. The present knowledge of food handling after harvest in Nigeria needs to be upgraded as most of our handling methods are riddled with traditional techniques that leave much to be desired. The use of ionizing irradiation as a means of extending the shelf life of foods in European countries had gained prominence due to its veracity and safety but in Nigeria it is not very popular. This paper tends to address the possible ways of handling foods to reduce post-harvest losses of foods and the benefits of Gamma Irradiation as a veritable preservative technique that should be popularized in Nigeria.