that has been contaminated by induced radiation probably will be made inedible by blast
and fire damage. Any foods not destroyed yet contaminated by induced radiation can
only be decontaminated by aging. Usually, this requires less than 14 days. Carefully
monitoring these foods will determine the progress of radioactive decay during aging.
b. Biological. Decontaminate containers contaminated with toxins like those
contaminated with chemical agents. Be sure to decontaminate the exposed threads of jars
with screw caps before the caps are removed. Do not use water from unapproved sources
for drinking or preparing food unless no other water is available. If water from
unapproved sources must be used, disinfect it. Disinfecting water does not ensure that it
is safe to drink. If the water is contaminated by toxin, disinfection will not work. Also,
some pathogens cannot be destroyed by disinfection. Food contaminated by pathogens
can be made safe by peeling or paring or heating.
(1) Peeling and Paring. Decontaminate potatoes and hard-skinned fruits that
can be peeled or pared. First, disinfect the surface of the food by using disinfectant
bleach. After disinfecting the surface, peel or pare, wash and cook the food thoroughly
before serving. In general, most biological agents can be neutralized through cooking.
QM 6322
8-6
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