2.2. Irradiation
The packed samples were irradiated at ambient
temperature at a dose rate of 1.8kGy/h in a Food
Package Irradiator (Nordion Intl. Inc., Canada) with a
60Co source. The samples received minimal doses of 1,
2.5 and 5 kGy. Dosimetry was performed as per
described in Kanatt et al. (2002). Nonirradiated lot
served as control. All samples were stored at ambient
temperature (2573 1C). Samples from both irradiated
and nonirradiated lots were analysed immediately after
irradiation and subsequently at regular intervals of 2
weeks during storage.