The combination of hurdles including potassium metabisulfite
dip, osmotic dehydration, infrared drying, polyethylene packaging
and a radiation dose of 1 kGy was found to be effective in extending
the shelf life of pineapple slices up to 40 days under ambient
storage temperature, whereas the control non-treated slices
spoiled within 6 days. The potassium metabisulfite dip was indispensable for browning inhibition. Osmotic dehydration and
infrared drying reduced aw, which prevented microbial growth.
A radiation dose of 1 kGy was found effective in eliminating the
residual microbial load on these pineapple samples, thus ensuring
microbial safety being the product sensorily accepted throughout
storage