MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) is developing food for people with low immune systems, including those afflicted with cancer, leukemia and AIDS through irradiation.
Juan Miguel Recto, PNRI science research specialist, said irradiated foods are safe to eat and nutritious.
Recto said they have applied the technology in chicken and pork adobo, which is available in two-kilogram up to 10-kg packs. He said they would also try it with brown rice and vegetables.
Recto said food irradiation can treat food without causing changes in freshness and texture.
“There is no change in taste,” he said.
Recto added that irradiation could reduce microbes responsible for spoilage and eliminate disease-causing microorganisms.
Recto said they are still studying the shelf life of irradiated food.
The production of food for immune-compromised patients is being undertaken by the PNRI with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency based in Vienna, Austria.
The PNRI, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology, is the lead agency in the country in research and development work on food irradiation.
PNRI’s safe food for immuno-compromised patients was one of the technologies showcased at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City yesterday as part of this year’s celebration of the National Science and Technology Week.