Irradiation Uses

"Food irradiation, the application of ionizing radiation to food, is a technology that improves the safety and extends the shelf life of foods by reducing or eliminating microorganisms and insects. Irradiation does not make foods radioactive, compromise nutritional quality, or noticeably change the taste, texture, or appearance of food. In fact, any changes made by irradiation are so minimal that it is not easy to tell if a food has been irradiated. Like pasteurizing milk and canning fruits and vegetables, irradiation can make food safer for the consumer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the sources of radiation that are used to irradiate food. The FDA approves a source of radiation for use on foods only after it has determined that irradiating the food is safe. Irradiation can effectively eliminate organisms that cause foodborne illness, such as Salmonella and E. coli; destroy or inactivate organisms that cause spoilage and decomposition; destroy insects in or on tropical fruits imported into the United States; inhibit sprouting, such as in potatoes; delay ripening of fruit; and sterilize foods that can then be stored for years without refrigeration. 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."