Answers to frequently asked questions about food irradiation
What is food irradiation, the safety level of irradiated food and how to know if the food has been irradiated are questions that many people still wonder about. This article will answer these questions to provide more information to consumers, as well as food production and export businesses that are learning about this technology.
What is food irradiation?
Food irradiation is a food quarantine method using ionizing radiation (Gamma rays, Electron beams, X-rays) to destroy or neutralize harmful bacteria, microorganisms, parasites, and insects in food, helping to prolong shelf life and ensure food hygiene and safety.
What are the benefits of food irradiation?
With outstanding benefits, many countries have applied food irradiation technology to ensure product quality, protect consumer health and biosecurity in international trade.
- Preventing foodborne diseases: food irradiation is effective in eliminating foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- Preserving food longer: destroying or inactivating spoilage organisms, helping to extend the shelf life of food.
- Controlling insects: controlling insects and pests on fresh fruits when imported into markets such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
- Slowing down the germination and ripening process: irradiation also has the ability to inhibit germination in tubers such as potatoes, beans, etc. and slow down the ripening process of fruits.
Is irradiated food safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has evaluated the safety of food irradiation for more than 30 years and has concluded that the method is safe. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and many other reputable organizations also recognize the safety of food irradiation.
APHIS Quarantine Officer (USDA) conducts quarantine of fresh fruit before irradiation treatment at Toan Phat Irradiation Plant (TPI)
Does food become radioactive or lose nutrients after irradiation?
Irradiation does not make food radioactive, does not affect its nutritional quality, and does not significantly change the taste, texture or appearance of food. In fact, the changes caused by irradiation are so slight that it is difficult to tell whether a food has been irradiated or not.
What foods are irradiated?
Since 1963, the FDA has approved the irradiation of wheat and flour to kill pests. To date, irradiation has been used on fruits, vegetables, spices, beef, pork, poultry, seafood, spices and flavorings, etc.
How to identify irradiated food?
Irradiated foods must bear the international Radura symbol and the words “Treated by Irradiation” on the packaging. If the irradiated food is used in other processed products, such as sausages, the ingredients will also state that the meat has been irradiated. Irradiated foods should be stored, handled and cooked in the same way as non-irradiated foods because they can still be contaminated with pathogens after irradiation if basic food safety rules are not followed.
Irradiated foods will be labeled with the Radura symbol (circular, green) along with the words "Treated by Irradiation"
How widely has food irradiation been developed?
With the benefits it brings to consumers and promotes international trade, to date, more than 60 countries in the world have authorized the use of irradiation for various types of food. Currently, the IAEA and the FAO are aiming to strengthen the national capacity of member countries to apply irradiation to enhance food safety and improve food quality. These two organizations are also working closely with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the Codex Alimentarius Commission to harmonize irradiation standards worldwide.
https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-irradiation-what-you-need-know
https://www.iaea.org/topics/food-irradiation
Toan Phat Irradiation Factory
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Address: Lot A24-1, Ngang 1 Street, Phu An Thanh Industrial Park, An Thanh, Ben Luc, Long An.
