Ask HN: Why isn't radiation used to sterilize raw foods (like sashimi, eggs)?

Re:Ask HN: Why isn't radiation used to sterilize raw foods (... by chime on Sunday January 29, 2023 @06:46PM (#34574045)

It's not as much of a benefit as one might think because the debris will still remain in the food. Gamma rays will kill the bacteria but not remove their remnants, which can cause other issues.

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Re:Ask HN: Why isn't radiation used to sterilize raw foods (... by srcreigh on Sunday January 29, 2023 @07:04PM (#34574164)

What is this debris? Where can I read more about this?

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Re:Ask HN: Why isn't radiation used to sterilize raw foods (... by fbdab103 on Sunday January 29, 2023 @07:06PM (#34574181)

All of the bacteria and other pathogens which were inside the food. If they are killed, they are not magically transported away. Depending upon the structural stability, there could be a lingering antigen which elicits an immune response.

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Re:Ask HN: Why isn't radiation used to sterilize raw foods (... by srcreigh on Sunday January 29, 2023 @07:11PM (#34574222)

Can you provide an example?

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Re:Ask HN: Why isn't radiation used to sterilize raw foods (... by crdotson on Sunday January 29, 2023 @09:16PM (#34575091)

https://www.foodsafety.ca/blog/what-are-bacterial-toxins gives several good examples.

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