In the context of increasingly stringent global agricultural supply chains, three key factors determine international competitiveness: stable quality, biosafety, and extended shelf life. To meet these requirements, irradiation technology is emerging as a breakthrough solution. It not only eliminates microorganisms but is also regarded as a “technological passport” that enables Vietnamese agricultural products to enter the world’s most demanding markets on equal footing.

Overview of Post-Harvest preservation solutions

1. Cold Storage: Chilling and freezing are the two main methods

• Chilling (0–4°C): Helps maintain the fresh appearance and sensory quality of vegetables, meat, and seafood in the short term. Freezing (-18°C to -20°C): Used for frozen meat, seafood, and produce, allowing storage for 6–12 months.

Limitations: Does not eliminate microorganisms, relies on an uninterrupted cold chain, and carries a risk of spoilage if thawed improperly.

2. Thermal Sterilization: Uses high temperatures (>100°C) to eliminate bacteria, spores, and viruses. Commonly applied in sterilized milk, juices, and canned foods.

Advantages: Enables long-term preservation without requiring a cold chain.

Limitations: Alters product texture and flavor, reduces vitamin content, and requires heat-resistant packaging—resulting in higher costs.

3. Food Irradiation: Utilizes ionizing radiation (Gamma, E-Beam, X-ray) to destroy microorganisms, parasites, and insect eggs. Recognized as safe and effective by WHO, FAO, and FDA.

Advantages:

• Retains nutritional value without leaving chemical residues
• Accepted by strict markets (U.S., Australia, New Zealand)
• Versatile for use with agricultural products, foods, pharmaceuticals, packaging, and medical supplies

Why Do Businesses Choose Irradiation?

In today’s global trade landscape, irradiation enables Vietnamese agricultural products to clear quarantine requirements in demanding markets like the U.S. (USDA), New Zealand (MPI), and Australia (BICON):

✨ Fast processing without the need for thawing

✨ Biological safety with no chemical use

✨ Environmentally friendly, reducing waste

✨ Versatile for different product types, weights, and packaging formats

Irradiation Practices in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the demand for irradiation services supporting agricultural and seafood exports continues to grow, particularly as demanding markets tighten their quarantine standards.

In this context, Toan Phat Irradiation Plant (TPI) is currently one of the few facilities equipped with all three of the most advanced irradiation technologies available today: Gamma (Cobalt-60), E-Beam, and X-Ray. These technologies allow the plant to meet diverse treatment requirements for agricultural products, seafood, processed foods, and export goods subject to strict quarantine regulations.

TPI is also recognized by quarantine authorities such as USDA (United States), MPI (New Zealand), and BICON (Australia) and complies with international quality management standards including HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000:2018, Halal, and EU Code. Meeting these standards simultaneously demonstrates not only technological advancement but also a strong commitment to management systems and traceability.

Moreover, instead of developing services independently, TPI has established strategic partnerships with two Japanese companies: Kawanishi Warehouse, a company with more than 100 years of experience in warehouse management and MOL Logistics, which operates a global network of 138 offices. This collaboration has led to the creation of the Mekong Logistics Hub, an integrated logistics complex located at the gateway to the Mekong Delta.

This model aims to provide a closed-loop service chain from irradiation treatment to cold storage, enabling businesses to reduce reliance on multiple intermediaries, optimize storage time, and minimize risks during the export process.

As global markets increasingly demand consistency and transparency within supply chains, the development of integrated logistics hubs is seen as a strategic step toward enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural and seafood products.

When each stage of the process is standardized and synchronized, irradiation becomes more than just a technical solution, it becomes a “passport” that allows products to meet quarantine requirements, shorten customs clearance times, and confidently enter the world’s most demanding markets.

Contact us:

Toan Phat Irradiation

📍 Block A24-1, Ngang 1 Street, Phu An Thanh Industrial Park, An Thanh, Ben Luc, Tay Ninh, Vietnam

🌐 www.toanphatgroup.com

📧 thongtin@tpirr.vn

📞 Hotline/Zalo (24/7): 093 100 0001