Irradiation Detection in Korean Traditional Soybean-Based Fermented Powdered Sauces: Data for Establishing a Database for Regulation of Irradiated Foods

To facilitate establishing regulations for irradiated foods, Korean traditional soybean-based fermented powdered doenjang (PD), kanjang (PK), kochujang (PKC) and chungkukjang (PC) were irradiated at 1, 3, 5 and 7 kGy, and subjected to irradiation detection analyses as part of establishing a database for detecting irradiated foods. Photostimulated luminescence (PSL) and electron spin resonance (ESR) were applied as the detection methods. Using PSL analysis, the irradiated PD, PK and PKC could be easily distinguished from the non-irradiated ones, while irradiation of the PC at 5 kGy or higher was detectable. The ESR spectra of the irradiated PD, PK and PKC exhibited symmetrical multiplet lines, which might be induced from the crystalline sugar, whereas, the PC showed a single signal at the paramagnetic centers. The signal intensity increased with incremental increases of irradiation doses distinguishing the irradiated samples from the control. In addition, the peak height also revealed that irradiation induced an increment in the intensity of single and/or multiplet lines of the ESR signals, resulting in clear confirmation of irradiation. Thus, the data from this study could be used as references for detecting irradiated soybean-based fermented powdered sauces.