One distributor's experience with irradiated produce.
Gerlach B.
Stewart Postharvest Review 11 : article 7
Abstract : Purpose of the review: This review focuses on irradiation and highlights different aspects of Melissa'sŪ experience with the distribution of irradiated produce. Findings: Mexican irradiated mangos (Mangifera indica) and Vietnamese irradiated dragon fruit (Hylocereus undata) are the hallmarks of Melissa'sŪ irradiated program comprising the largest drivers of volume, with sales of total irradiated produce increasing from approximately 900 Stock Keeping Units in 2010 to 44,300 in 2014. Stock Keeping Units are reported in order to preserve Melissa'sŪ proprietary interest in the volume of specific pack sizes. Melissa'sŪ distributes other irradiated produce including papaya, rambutan, longan, sweet potatoes and mangosteen. Directions for future research: Ongoing food irradiation research offers potential for increased use on other imported commodities, especially for phytosanitary disinfestation treatment on fresh tropical fruits. Melissa'sŪ endeavors to replicate the success of the Mexican irradiated mango program in the development of the recently USDA approved Australian irradiated mango program. Australian mangos are picked fresh, de-sapped, packed, gassed with ethylene, irradiated and then delivered to the USA West Coast by air container in a little over a day. Finally, Thai irradiated mangos, especially cv Nam Doc Mai, would encounter sizeable demand in consumer markets in the USA if methods could be found to overcome the limitation of the tender skin in successfully irradiating the mango.