Food irradiation is a food processing technology highly appreciated by the world's leading medical and scientific organizations. This advanced solution has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1988. The report "Food Irradiation: A Technique for Preserving and Improving the Safety of Food" emphasizes that this is an effective method in destroying harmful microorganisms, reducing the risk of food poisoning and extending the shelf life of food.

In this article, let's learn in detail about the operating principles, benefits, practical applications as well as safety and legal issues of food irradiation technology with Toan Phat Irradiation Factory (TPI).

How food irradiation works

Food irradiation is the process of using energy from gamma rays, X-rays or electron beams to destroy harmful bacteria, molds and insects through the mechanism of affecting the DNA of microorganisms, damaging their genetic material, making them unable to reproduce or completely destroyed. According to the 2024 study of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), food irradiation is a safe and effective method, capable of neutralizing common bacteria transmitted through food such as: Campylobacter, Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria monocytogenes. These are the main agents causing serious food poisoning in many countries.

Also according to the study, food irradiation technology has been developed globally for decades as a safe and effective method to extend shelf life and slow down the decomposition process during storage. For fruits and vegetables, irradiation can inhibit metabolic processes associated with germination or over-ripening by disrupting natural enzyme activity.

According to the 1999 FAO/IAEA/WHO report and World Health Organization (WHO) publications, this process does not irradiate food, does not significantly heat food when used in appropriate doses, and has virtually no effect on chemical structure or nutritional value.

Irradiation technologies

- Cobalt-60 irradiation using Gamma beam: Gamma irradiation method uses radiation produced by the decay of the radioactive isotope Cobalt-60. This isotope emits high-energy photons (1.17MeV and 1.33MeV), which can penetrate food to a depth of several tens of centimeters, so it is especially suitable for processing high-density products. Gamma irradiation is applied to sterilize and effectively process many different types of products such as: medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and household appliances...

- E-Beam irradiation using Electron beam: E-Beam irradiation technology uses ionizing radiation as high-energy Electrons. Electrons are generated by Electron Gun, accelerated by high-frequency waves through the high-frequency wave energy resonance structure amplified from the power source. Electrons have a negative charge, small mass and high energy, so they easily interact with atoms and molecules in food through primary and secondary effects and cause very fast reactions on molecules or microorganisms.

- Bremsstrahlung irradiation (X-ray) using X-rays: X-ray irradiation technology is a method developed based on electron beam irradiation technology. Electrons are generated in devices with energy levels of 5 MeV and 7.5 MeV. Electrons interact with the Tantalum plate to create Bremsstrahlung X-rays (bremsstrahlung radiation).

Benefits of food irradiation

Here are some of the benefits of food irradiation:

- Eliminate pathogenic microorganisms

Irradiation technology kills dangerous microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria – agents that often cause serious food poisoning. This benefit is especially important for products that are susceptible to contamination such as meat, seafood and fresh fruits and vegetables.

- Extend shelf life

Irradiation slows down the spoilage of food by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold. This allows fruits and vegetables to stay fresh longer, while meat and seafood can be stored for longer periods without the use of chemical preservatives.

- Support food export

Many countries require imported products to be irradiated to eliminate pathogenic bacteria and harmful insects, to protect consumer health as well as ecological security. Irradiation technology helps food meet international food safety and hygiene standards, thereby facilitating trade and expanding export markets.

Safety and International Certifications

- Safety of Irradiated Food

Numerous scientific studies have shown that food does not become radioactive after irradiation. This process does not significantly change the nutritional composition and does not create toxic substances.

- Certification organizations

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and many other prestigious organizations have recognized the safety of this technology. Many countries have issued regulations allowing the use of irradiation in food preservation.

Regulatory Regulations

- United States: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved irradiation for many foods such as meat, poultry, seafood and fruits.

- European Union: Allows irradiation of certain products and requires clear labeling.

- Vietnam: The Ministry of Health has issued standards on irradiation dose limits for each type of food.

Thus, food irradiation is an advanced technology that helps improve food safety, prolong storage time, reduce food waste and promote trade activities. Therefore, the potential of this method in the food industry is huge. With the appreciation of international organizations and the development of science, food irradiation can become an important technology in ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply for the future.

References: Food Irradiation: A Technique for Preserving and Improving the Safety of Food" – Tổ chức Y tế Thế giới (WHO), 1988

Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Linked to Foods Eligible for Irradiation, United States, 2009–2020

Toan Phat Irradiation Factory

Hotline: 093 100 0001

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Address: Lot A24-1, Street 1, Phu An Thanh Industrial Park, An Thanh, Ben Luc, Long An.