Analysis of radiolytic products of lipid in irradiated dried squids (Todarodes pacificus).

The lipid portion of dried squids (Todarodes pacificus) was extracted, and its hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones were separated using a florisil column. Both compounds were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and used to investigate the production of radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones. Concentrations of the hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones increased linearly with the radiation dosage. The major hydrocarbons in the irradiated dried squids were pentadecane and 1-tetradecene, which originated from palmitic acid. The amount of pentadecane was the highest among the radiation-induced hydrocarbons in the dried squids. The major 2-alkylcyclobutanone in the irradiated dried squids was 2-dodecylcyclobutanone, which was formed from the large amount of palmitic acid. 2-Tetradecylcyclobutanone, which may be produced from stearic acid in sample lipids, was also detected. Radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones were detected at > or = 0.5 kGy. These compounds were not detected in dried squids that were not irradiated. Radiation-induced hydrocarbons can be used as a detection marker for irradiated dried squids; however, the amount of 2-alkylcyclobutanones produced was not enough to be used as a marker. Radiolytic products of lipids, such as hydrocarbons or 2-alkylcyclobutanones. can be used to monitor food safety for consumers, ensuring proper irradiation labeling in foods and quarantine treatment in international trade.