The Effect of Irradiation and Packaging on Increasing the Shelf life of Shahani Dates in Individual Operational Rations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Ira

4 Master of Food Industry, Kherad Institute of Higher Education, Bushehr, Iran.

Abstract

In military terminology, a “ration” refers to the daily food allotment for one service member. An “operational ration” is a broad category covering rations designed for use in combat zones and during field operations. Key considerations in developing such rations include healthfulness, nutritional value, and oxidative stability to ensure a long shelf life under adverse conditions. In the Iranian armed forces, dates are a common component of the operational ration. A primary concern with any food ration is extending its preservation period. Various techniques exist to enhance the shelf life of dates, including irradiation and modified packaging. This study examines the combined effect of packaging methods and gamma irradiation on the sensory properties of Shahani dates. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with three treatments and three replications: Treatment 1: Control (vacuum packaging only), Treatment 2: Vacuum packaging combined with gamma irradiation at a dose of 4 kGy and Treatment 3: Vacuum packaging combined with gamma irradiation at a dose of 6 kGy. Sensory evaluations were conducted on samples stored at room temperature at 6, 12, 18, and 24-month intervals. The results indicated that after 24 months, Treatment 2 (vacuum packaging with 4 kGy irradiation) received the highest sensory scores and demonstrated the greatest shelf life.

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Main Subjects

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References

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Packaging Science and Art
Volume 16, Issue 63 - Serial Number 63
Serial number 63, autumn 2025
September 2025
Pages 1-11

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 08 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 06 December 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 December 2025

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