Effects of electron beam irradiation on microbial inactivation and quality of kimchi paste during storage

The effects of electron beam irradiation on microbial inactivation and quality of noninoculated and inoculated (Listeria monocytogenes) kimchi pastes were examined. Kimchi paste samples were irradiated at doses of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 kGy and stored for 21 days at 4 °C. Irradiation (10 kGy) reduced the populations of total aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast and moulds in the samples by 1.72, 2.24 and 0.86 log CFU g⁻¹, respectively, compared to the control. In particular, coliforms were not detected at 8 and 10 kGy, and the population of L. monocytogenes in inoculated samples was significantly decreased by 2.67 log CFU g⁻¹. Electron beam irradiation delayed the changes in O₂ and CO₂ concentrations, pH, acidity and reducing sugar content observed in kimchi paste during storage. These results suggest that electron beam irradiation can be used to improve the microbiological safety and shelf life of kimchi paste.