| 摘要 |
An irradiated package comprising a mold and bacteria impermeable barrier encasing a tubular food casing which food casing comprises a cellulose film matrix and from about 9 to about 40 weight percent water. The package has been irradiated with sufficient radiation to prevent growth of microorganisms within the package for at least four weeks and insufficient radiation to reduce burst pressure of the casing by more than about 12 percent. The amount of radiation is usually from about 1 to about 20 kilograys and preferably from about 5 to about 10 kilograys. The amount of radiation is sufficient to reduce the number of microorganisms within the package by well over 99 % and is usually sufficient to reduce the number of microorganisms by over 99.9 % and is often sufficient to reduce the number of microorganisms by 99.99 %. Reduction in burst pressure due to radiation exposure is preferably less than 4 percent. Growth of microorgnaisms, especially mold, is prevented inside of the package for at least four, desirably at least six and preferably for at least twelve weeks. In the most desirable case, microorganism growth inside the package is prevented indefinitely. |
