The addition of X-ray irradiation technology to the phytosanitary chain for fresh fruits exported to the US helps enterprises operate continuously, even during peak periods.

Recently, the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) officially approved the addition of X-ray irradiation technology for Toan Phat Irradiation Factory (TPI), located at Phu An Thanh Industrial Park, Tay Ninh province, within the phytosanitary treatment program for fresh fruits exported to the US. Previously, this factory had been recognized by APHIS as eligible for treatment via Gamma irradiation technology utilizing a Cobalt-60 source.

Normally, for fresh fruits such as pomelos, mangoes, dragon fruits, longans, lychees, rambutan, star apples... irradiation is a mandatory quarantine requirement prior to exporting to the US market. Therefore, the processing capacity of irradiation factories will directly affect delivery schedules as well as the capacity to fulfill export orders.

Apart from adding an irradiation processing line, being permitted to simultaneously utilize both of the above technologies is also viewed as an important upgrade step for the post-harvest infrastructure capacity of the fruit and vegetable sector. This also helps enterprises flexibly select appropriate technology, allocate capacity, and maintain continuous operations even during peak periods, contributing to reducing cold storage costs, maintaining fruit quality, and increasing the competitive edge of exporting enterprises.

However, the addition of X-ray does not mean that every product or packaging specification can automatically switch between Gamma irradiation technology utilizing a Cobalt-60 source and X-ray; instead, each treatment configuration must still fully comply with the technical requirements, irradiation doses, and control protocols approved by competent authorities.

Previously in 2025, Toan Phat Irradiation Factory processed nearly 5,670 tons of fruits exported to the US using Gamma technology utilizing a Cobalt-60 source. When the X-ray system is officially put into exploitation, the factory's processing capacity is projected to nearly double; thereby expanding the capacity to receive and handle goods, particularly during peak export periods.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), in 2025, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export turnover reached over 8.5 billion USD, the highest level from before until now. Within this, the export of this commodity to the US reached around 547 million USD, up more than 50% compared to the previous year. Besides, data from the US International Trade Commission (USITC) shows that Vietnam merely occupied around 1.49% of the US's total import turnover for the vegetables, flowers, roots, fruits, and processed products group in 2025, demonstrating that the growth room here remains very large.

The above reality also sets out demands to upgrade post-harvest infrastructure capacity to satisfy market needs. Particularly, as the export competition context increasingly relies on quality, speed, and the capacity to satisfy technical requirements, expanding irradiation capacity achieving international standards will contribute to creating a foundation for Vietnamese fruits to upgrade market shares in high-end markets.

Source: Tap chi dien tu Tri Thuc