Question

The gamma radiation dose sufficient to reduce disinfestations in dried fish is

• A. 1 KGy
• B. 2 KGy
• C. 5 KGy
• D. 10 KGy

Hint:

Remember the hierarchy: Insects (low dose $\approx$ 1 kGy) $<$ Bacteria (medium dose 1-10 kGy) $<$ Bacterial Spores (high dose $>$ 10 kGy).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question deals with the use of irradiation specifically for "disinfestation"—the elimination of insect pests—in dried fishery products.
Detailed Explanation:

• Disinfestation of Dried Fish: Dried fish are often infested by beetles (like Dermestes) and flies during processing and storage. Standard chemical fumigation is being replaced by irradiation.

• Low Dose Irradiation: Insects are much more sensitive to radiation than bacteria. Therefore, very low doses are required for disinfestation compared to sterilization.

• Threshold for Insects: Generally, a dose of 0.5 to 1.0 kGy is sufficient to kill or sterilize adult insects and their eggs/larvae in dried products. Among the options provided, 1 KGy is the standard recommended dose for commercial disinfestation of dried fish.

• Evaluation of other options: Higher doses like 5 or 10 kGy are used for bacterial reduction (radicidation) and are unnecessary for simple insect control.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The sufficient dose for disinfestation is 1 KGy.