The government published yesterday a feasibility study started in 2022 for the food irradiation on an industrial scale in the Uruguaya joint agreement with USAwhich would require an investment of 10 million dollars but would allow for greater durability of the products.
During the management of Omar Paganini in it Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining (MIEM)and in conjunction with the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) A feasibility study was launched for the application of multipurpose irradiation technology on an industrial scale, focusing on food and medicinal cannabis.
Finally, yesterday in Executive Tower The results of the project were presented – consisting of a study and a pilot test that lasted a year and a half – which is being carried out jointly with American engineers from the Texas A&M University and the Technological Laboratory (LATU).
Industrial-scale food irradiation involves treatment using ionizing radiation and is intended to prevent diseases transmitted by various foods, whether through chemical preservatives or fumigants. In addition, it is one of the industrial alternatives for preserving fresh food for longer.
The keys to the project
The report establishes the great potential of Uruguay to carry out food irradiation on an industrial scale. “It has sufficient volume of products to justify the installation of an electron accelerator plant,” the presentation states. In detail, they establish that the country has at least 60,000 metric tons of products such as meat, sauces, spices, medicinal cannabis, alfajores, cocoa and even disposable medical equipment to apply this technology.
As for investment, a particle acceleration machine would require a total of 10 million dollars, with the installation being the most expensive, taking up 20% of the total, or 2 million dollars. According to the engineers from the American university, 68% of the investment would be profitable in the first year, while a full return would be expected in the second year.
On the other hand, they established that the best form of investment would be through a public-private model. “This business model would be in line with the Uruguayan government’s policy,” they said.
A point in favor of Uruguay It has the regulations for food irradiation, which makes it stand out among other countries in the region at a competitive level. “In Latin America except in Brazil and Mexico, This is not common. That is why the US State Department asked us to help countries like Uruguay and others in the region,” explained the engineer. Oscar Acuna of the United States Department of Energy (EU-DOE).
Green and longer lasting technology
Among the possibilities offered by food irradiation technology, according to the report presented by the government, is the possibility of products lasting longer, so the monetary loss would be much smaller for producers.
One of those products is the medical cannabis, Germany being one of the main buyers. “If it were, it would boost its price because this process represents added value,” Acuña stressed.
In this regard, they also commented that the application of this type of technology has helped producers to improve their salaries and prevented more migrations to cities due to lack of work. “Foods that go into space last ten years with technologies like these. Here many businessmen would be satisfied if their products doubled their shelf life,” they stressed.
The next steps for the irradiation project will be a meeting with the engineers and the minister, Elisa Faciothis Tuesday, an initiative that interests the portfolio because it does not generate waste and is a green technology. Later, the National Directorate of Nuclear Technology Applications must move forward with implementation.
Source: Ambito
