Reduction of the 2,4,6-trichloroanisole content in cork stoppers using gamma radiation

This work demonstrates that it is possible to eliminate or transform 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (2,4,6-TCA) in cork stoppers, using gamma radiation transforming it in molecular residues which do not have the same organoleptic/odour characteristics. This process when applied to packed cork stoppers ready to use, inside their sealed packages, avoiding later contamination, assures the elimination/reduction of the problem, which is an enormous advantage over the other processes. Studies were carried out with cork stoppers naturally contaminated using radiation doses from 15 to 400 kGy. The results showed elimination/reduction efficiencies of 2,4,6-TCA higher than 90%.