Extension of shelf-life of whole-wheat flour by gamma radiation

The effect of low‐dose gamma irradiation (0.25–1.00 kGy) on pre‐packed whole‐wheat flour (atta) was assessed in terms of physico‐chemical properties, nutritional quality, chapati‐making quality and sensory attributes. Semi‐pilot scale storage studies on irradiated pre‐packed whole‐wheat flour revealed that there was no adverse effect of irradiation and storage up to 6 months of whole‐wheat flour treated at doses up to 1.00 kGy on total proteins, fat, carbohydrates, vitamin B1 and B2 content, colour index, sedimentation value, dough properties, total bacterial and mould count. Storage of wheat flour resulted in slight increase in moisture, free fatty acids, damaged starch, reducing sugars and slight decrease in gelatinization viscosity. However, irradiation as such had no effect on any of these parameters. Irradiation at 0.25 kGy was sufficient to extend the shelf‐life of atta up to 6 months without any significant change in the nutritional, functional attributes. Chapaties made from irradiated atta (0.25 kGy) were preferred even after 6 months storage, compared with the control.