SUMMARY 
Ionizing radiation pasteurization is a method that might be used to extend the cold 
storage life of fresh strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, grapes, oranges, and grapefruit. 
In a survey conducted for the Atomic Energy Commission during the summer of 
1962, fresh produce handlers were asked to state their opinions and judgments about the 
merits of the method. 
Prior to interviewing, respondents were sent information and then were briefed 
about radiation processing so that answers to survey questions might be more meaning- 
ful and useful. Briefing was necessary because the new process has been used only in 
research and is not available commercially. 
Among the advantages expected of radiation pasteurization, the two most often given 
by respondents are that it would (1) reduce spoilage losses, and (2) maintain quality. 
Among the disadvantages expected, the one most often given is consumer resistance due 
to fear of the process. Two other disadvantages often given are that it would (1) require 
an extensive educational program, and (2) increase processing costs. 
A high percentage of respondents thought successful market introduction of radiation- 
pasteurized fruits and vegetables would depend on an effective educational or promotional 
program. The purpose of the program would be (1) to acquaint consumers with the new 
process, (2) to inform them of its potential value, and (3) to assure them that radiation- 
pasteurized fruits and vegetables are completely safe for human consumption. 
A majority of the respondents thought that radiation processing would increase the 
production and market volume of the selected fresh fruits and vegetables surveyed, but 
would not change output and sales volume of canned, frozen, and other processed forms. 
A minority of the respondents thought the new process would reduce output and sales 
volume of canned, frozen, and other processed forms of the selected commodities. 
The desired extensions of refrigerated storage life and the cost that respondents 
thought they could afford to pay for radiation pasteurizing are summarized below: 
Average extension of 
refrigerated storage 
ice 
Estimated cost respondents 
could pay for 
radiation processing? 
Commodity 
Cents per pound 
E 
DbPAWDEETIICS . see cess sieskaire \evevens 8.2 17D 
IPC AICHE Siamayetstcteretets susleve cietexeleceters icicie/s.e 14.1 <2 
SLOMAGOC Steretetetereieleietel cisiel or eveverslorsieicns tere 16.4 <2D 
GIA DS Sakehederebereisheieterenere evel steleverereieverecs 2280 oe 
EGG Ors ofan evetslinlie tals’ oe a sisi clere' sig, saree 6 HOS AS 
GRAPE Erichitersisieieve cis, eieieeiers'e 66) 6 66 aie 9.8 22D 
+ Midpoint of the one-half cent modal class interval when zero responses are not con- 
sidered. 
