Things we should know about Food Irradiation

 The use of radiation to prevent spoilage and control pests is known as food irradiation. Like milk pasteurization, food irradiation ensures the safety of food items. The most important thing is that irradiation never makes your food radioactive. It does not affect the appearance, texture, and taste of food or nutritional quality. In fact, the effect is so minimal that it is not easy to identify whether it is irradiated food. 

What is the reason behind food irradiation? 

Prevent foodborne diseases- The irradiation technology removes microorganisms (like E. Coli and Salmonella) from food. 

Preservation- The irradiation food preservation technique is a way to inactivate and destroy organisms causing decomposition and spoilage. So, your foods will have a longer shelf-life.  

In the food irradiation process, gamma rays, electricity, and x-rays are used for ionizing radiation. Thus, they are effective in destroying microorganisms like insects, viruses, and bacteria in food. Moreover, irradiation helps in delaying the ripening process. It is known for yielding more juice and improving rehydration. Furthermore, sprouting can be prevented to keep your foods preserved for a long period. For instance, gamma ray food preservation can inhibit the sprouting of potatoes. 

Sterilization – You can use irradiation for sterilizing foods that can be stored for several years. There is no need to do refrigeration. Hospitals and other healthcare centers need to provide their patients with sterilized food. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and AIDS treatment should consume this food. 

 

Different radiation sources approved for use on food- 

• X-rays- The reflection of a high-energy flow of electrons helps in producing X-rays. It is commonly used in different industries, including healthcare. 

• Gamma rays- Radioactive versions of cobalt are the source of gamma rays. Gamma radiation is known for sterilizing household, dental, and medical products. However, food gamma irradiation is also effective for sterilization purposes. 

• Like X-rays, electron beams can be used for food.  

 

Is it safe to eat irradiated food? 

According to FDA, the irradiation process for food is safe. The WHO also has claimed that there is no risk of consuming irradiated food. The irradiation food preservation technique can be used for pork, beef, lettuce, spinach, poultry, flour, wheat, onions, shell eggs, seeds (for sprouting), and spices. 

Some pre-packaged foods also have irradiated ingredients. So, these foods have to bear a symbol. However, there may be a variation in the percentage of irradiated ingredients used for the food. 

 

To sum up, irradiation for food preservation ensures food safety. You can keep your food free from microorganisms. It is effective in killing pathogens. Moreover, you will be able to sterilize foods and make them safe for patients. As inactive organisms can be destroyed, your foods will be safe from decomposition and spoilage. Moreover, the WHO thinks irradiation technology does not turn out poisonous substances. 

It is true that irradiation may slightly lower the nutritional value of your food. You can preserve foods with some other techniques. Still, irradiation is the most effective and advanced technique for preserving different types of food. Symec Engineers provides food Gamma radiation services to a wide range of companies and domains. The gamma radiation sterilization facility is designed to disinfect food items.