No induced mutagenesis in human lymphoblast cell line and bacterial systems upon their prolonged sub-culturing in irradiated food blended media.

BACKGROUND: Profound apprehension towards safety of irradiated food has remained a major cause behind tardy acceptance of this technology although it has immense socio-economic potential. Generation of in-depth scientific evidence will help to refute these apprehensions. With this prospective, the present study was undertaken where safety of various irradiated (Dmin up to 25 kGy) foods was evaluated through long-term exposure studies in models including human lymphoblast TK6 cell line (100 generations) and Escherichia coli MG1655 cells (exclusive sub-culturing in irradiated food medium for 3000 generations). Additionally, the Ames test, micronucleus test, comet assay, DNA sequencing and restriction profiling of phagemid DNA from E. coli cells sub-cultured in irradiated food medium were also performed.

RESULTS: No induced mutagenesis was observed in these cells during long-term sub-culturing in various irradiated food medium. Also no change was observed in profiles of comet, micronucleus, restriction digestion, random amplification of polymorphic DNA as well as DNA sequences. The latter also ruled out the possibility of any silent mutation.

CONCLUSION: Findings of the current study thus provided credible molecular evidence supporting the safety of irradiated foods. This would be helpful in confidence building among consumers, entrepreneurs, and strengthening the overall food irradiation program to achieve 'food safety' and 'security'. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.