Food irradiation involves exposing food to ionizing radiation like gamma rays to eliminate microorganisms and extend shelf life without changing taste or texture. It reduces post-harvest losses and foodborne illness while allowing food to be stored longer. Irradiated food is not radioactive as it does not come in contact with radioactive material. The only way to identify irradiated food is by labeling as irradiation does not change appearance, smell or taste.
Food irradiation involves exposing food to ionizing radiation like gamma rays to eliminate microorganisms and extend shelf life without changing taste or texture. It reduces post-harvest losses and foodborne illness while allowing food to be stored longer. Irradiated food is not radioactive as it does not come in contact with radioactive material. The only way to identify irradiated food is by labeling as irradiation does not change appearance, smell or taste.
Food irradiation involves exposing food to ionizing radiation like gamma rays to eliminate microorganisms and extend shelf life without changing taste or texture. It reduces post-harvest losses and foodborne illness while allowing food to be stored longer. Irradiated food is not radioactive as it does not come in contact with radioactive material. The only way to identify irradiated food is by labeling as irradiation does not change appearance, smell or taste.
Food irradiation involves exposing food to ionizing radiation like gamma rays to eliminate microorganisms and extend shelf life without changing taste or texture. It reduces post-harvest losses and foodborne illness while allowing food to be stored longer. Irradiated food is not radioactive as it does not come in contact with radioactive material. The only way to identify irradiated food is by labeling as irradiation does not change appearance, smell or taste.
Charmalou P. Ogarte T-III, ZNNHS a process of exposing food to high energy ionizing radiation (e.g. gamma rays and electron Food beam), either pre-packed or in Irradiation bulk, in an enclosed and heavily shielded area for a pre- determined time to receive a prescribed radiation dose. Can treat food without causing changes in the freshness and texture Advantages No heat applied (cold process) of Food No harmful toxic residues in Irradiation food Can be used to treat-packed commodities Reduce post harvest losses What benefits Disinfest fresh fruits and agricultural can be achieved products for storage through Extend shelf-life of food and irradiation? agricultural products for storage Reduce microbes responsible for spoilages Eliminate disease-causing microorganisms Why irradiate food? Why irradiate food? Prevention of Foodborne Illness to effectively eliminate organisms that cause foodborne illness, such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Preservation to destroy or inactivate organisms 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. Why irradiate food? 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. Why irradiate food?
Sterilized foods are useful in hospitals for patients with severely impaired immune systems, such as patients with AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.
Foods that are sterilized by irradiation are exposed to substantially higher
levels of treatment than those approved for general use. Does irradiation process make food radioactive? Does irradiation process make food radioactive?
No.
The foods itself never comes in contact with the radioactive material. The irradiation process involves only the passing of food through a radiation field, allowing the food to absorb the required dose.
Gamma rays- X-rays and electrons prescribed for radiation processing of
food do not induce any radioactivity in food. What is the difference between “irradiated” and “radioactive” food? What is the difference between “irradiated” and “radioactive” food?
Radiation-processed or irradiated foods are those that have been exposed
to a prescribed dose to bring about the desired effect.
Radioactive foods, on the other hand, are those that become
contaminated with radioactive material.
This type of contamination never occurs during food irradiation.
Are irradiated foods safe to eat? Are irradiated foods safe to eat?
Yes, irradiated foods are wholesome and nutritious. All known methods of food processing-even storing food can lower the content of some nutrients, such as vitamins.
Radiation, even at higher doses, does not adversely affect the nutritional quality of food Can irradiation be used to make spoiled food good or to clean up “dirty food”? Can irradiation be used to make spoiled food good or to clean up “dirty food”?
No. Neither radiation nor any other food treatment can reverse the spoilage process and make bad food good. If the food already looks, tastes or smells bad (signs spoilage), it cannot be “saved” by any treatment including irradiation. While irradiation can reduce or eliminate spoilage – causing bacteria or pathogenic microorganisms which may be present in spoiled food, it cannot improve its sensory properties. How can irradiated food be identified in the market? How can irradiated food be identified in the market?
Irradiated food cannot be recognized by sight, smell and taste. The only sure way for consumers to know if the food has been irradiated is for the product to carry a label that clearly states the treatment in words, a symbol, or both. The Codex Alimentarius Commission has endorsed an irradiation logo. Countries that follow the Codex guidelines have to label irradiated food with words, such as “Irradiated or “Treated with Ionizing Radiation” How can irradiated food be identified in the market?
