Food Irradiation

You are probably familiar with pasteurizing milk and pressure cooking canned foods as ways to kill bacteria and other pathogens. Did you know that ionizing radiation is also used to kill bacteria, molds and other pests in our food? This process is called food irradiation.

Food irradiation is a food safety technique that involves exposing food to ionizing radiation to reduce germs that can cause food poisoning.

• About Food Irradiation
• What you can do
• Where to learn more

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About Food Irradiation

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), irradiation can serve many purposes:

• Prevention of Foodborne Illness – to effectively eliminate organisms that cause foodborne illness, such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). These bacteria make millions of people sick and send thousands of people to the hospital each year.
• Preservation – to destroy germs that cause spoilage and decomposition and extend the shelf life of foods.
• Control of Insects – to destroy insects in or on tropical fruits imported into the United States. Irradiation also decreases the need for other pest-control practices that may harm the fruit.
• Delay of Sprouting and Ripening – to inhibit sprouting (e.g., potatoes) and delay ripening of fruit to increase longevity.
• Sterilization – irradiation can be used to sterilize foods, which can then be stored for years without refrigeration. Sterilized foods are useful in hospitals for patients with severely impaired immune systems.

Irradiating food does not get rid of dangerous toxins that are already in food. In some cases, the bacteria themselves are not dangerous, but they produce toxins that are. For example, Clostridium botulinum bacteria produce a toxin that causes botulism, a dangerous illness. Food irradiation can control the spread, growth, and survival of the C. botulinum bacteria, but cannot remove the toxin produced by C. botulinum. However, food irradiation cannot remove all food dangers:

• Food irradiation can slow, but does not stop, fruit and vegetables from aging. Aging can lower their nutritional value, taste and flavor.
• Irradiation can alter slightly the flavor of some foods. The change is like the way pasteurization alters the taste of milk.
• Irradiated food does not meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture's definition of organic.

How Food Irradiation Works

Currently, food irradiators use one of three kinds of radiation: gamma rays (from cobalt-60 sources), electron beams, or x-rays.

All three methods work the same way. Bulk or packaged food passes through a radiation chamber on a conveyor belt. The food does not come into contact with radioactive materials, but instead passes through a radiation beam.

The ionizing radiation sends enough energy into the bacterial or mold cells in the food to break chemical bonds. This damages the pathogens enough for them to die or no longer multiply, which reduces illness or spoilage.

Is Irradiated Food Safe to Eat?

Food irradiation is regulated by government authorities to ensure safety and adherence to strict standards. Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), establish guidelines and standards for the use of food irradiation. These regulations include labeling requirements to inform consumers that the food has been irradiated.

What You Can Do

While food irradiation is considered safe and beneficial, some individuals and consumer organizations have concerns about the process. Common concerns include potential changes to nutritional content, the possibility of unintended consequences, and the reliance on irradiation as a solution to food safety issues instead of addressing the root causes.

It is important to stay informed and make informed decisions regarding food choices and processing methods. If you have specific concerns or questions about food irradiation, it is recommended to seek information from reputable sources or consult with healthcare professionals and regulatory agencies that can provide accurate and up-to-date information.

• Follow guidance. If you have specific concerns or questions about food irradiation, it is recommended to seek information from reputable sources or consult with healthcare professionals and regulatory agencies that can provide accurate and up-to-date information.