identification of foods treated with gamma irradiation by the use of a luminescence technique: a case study of milk powder

We established a method using a ultra-weak luminescence analyser to detect milk powders irradiated with gamma rays. A peak of luminescence photon emission appears as soon as the irradiated sample is dissolved in the water. This peak could be considered as a 'marker' for qualitative identification of irradiated foods. The method is fast, simple and convenient. This method can be developed to be reliable and a validated detection method after optimization and could be applied commercially to detect irradiated food.