Could x-ray or other high energy device alter rice grains?

X-ray and other high energy devices are not powerful enough to ionize atoms and molecules, so they would not damage the grains.
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I almost always buy food from local market but recently I want to buy some rice (and probably other foods later) overseas which will be imported through our customs, so most likely the food will be scanned through x-ray or other high energy devices that I don't know, could rice grains or other food be altered adversely after passing through those scanning devices?
 
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The X-Rays will mostly just pass right through. The small portion that is absorbed will knock some electrons out of the orbitals and perhaps split some molecules apart, but we're talking a very, very small portion. Not enough to adversely affect any food.
 
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Drakkith said:
The X-Rays will mostly just pass right through. The small portion that is absorbed will knock some electrons out of the orbitals and perhaps split some molecules apart, but we're talking a very, very small portion. Not enough to adversely affect any food.

How about other possible scanning devices in addition to x-ray? Thanks
 
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kenny1999 said:
How about other possible scanning devices in addition to x-ray? Thanks
The only other scanning devices I'm aware of use lower energy EM radiation, such as infrared and microwaves, which are not of a high enough energy to ionize atoms and molecules. Thus, they don't damage the food at all.

In any case, any scanning technology used in customs is going to be virtually harmless to food when used properly. Damaging food or other items would be a serious consequence that would not go unnoticed by companies selling these products.
 
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After this process, it's still food.

Even safer than before, actually :doh:

You have nothing to fear from them being simply scanned.
 
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A common misconception is that irradiation will make the food "radioactive". Essentially this only occurs when the radiation is neutrons: either primary neutrons as from a nuclear reactor; or secondary from a daughter decay initiated by a high energy X-ray. Neither process is possible from the radiation used to sanitize food against bacteria and insect infestation.
 
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Could x-ray or other high energy device alter rice grains?

Not as much as cooking them.
 
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1. How would exposing rice grains to x-rays or other high energy devices affect their nutritional value?

Exposing rice grains to x-rays or other high energy devices can potentially alter their nutritional value. These devices can break down the chemical structure of the rice grains, leading to a decrease in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

2. Is there a risk of radiation contamination if rice grains are exposed to x-rays?

There is a minimal risk of radiation contamination when exposing rice grains to x-rays or other high energy devices. These devices emit a controlled amount of radiation and are designed to minimize any potential risks to human health.

3. Will the appearance or texture of rice grains be affected by exposure to x-rays or other high energy devices?

Yes, the appearance and texture of rice grains can be altered by exposure to x-rays or other high energy devices. These devices can cause physical changes in the grains, such as discoloration, changes in texture, and loss of moisture.

4. Are there any potential benefits to exposing rice grains to x-rays or other high energy devices?

Exposing rice grains to x-rays or other high energy devices can have potential benefits, such as killing harmful bacteria and insects that may be present in the grains. This can improve the safety and shelf life of the rice.

5. How can the use of x-rays or other high energy devices be regulated to ensure the safety of rice grains?

The use of x-rays or other high energy devices on rice grains is regulated by government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. These agencies set guidelines and standards for the use of these devices to ensure the safety and quality of the rice grains.

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