The status of food irradiation technology

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA)

OSTI ID:6868580

Sivinski, J S

Irradiation is a mature technology for many uses, such as medical product sterilization, crosslinking of plastics, application of coatings, stabilization of natural and synthetic rubbers prior to vulcanization, and in plant genetics. It also has many potential applications in the food and agriculture industries, especially in the postharvest activities associated with processing, storing, and distribution and in utilization and consumption. The safety of food irradiation has been thoroughly studied and established by distinguished scientists of international stature and unimpeachable credentials. Approximately 30 countries permit food irradiation and it is commercially used in 21. Parasites are of serious concern since their impact on human health and economic productivity is significant, especially in developing countries with sanitation and food control problems. Parasites in meat and fish can be rendered sterile or inactivated with irradiation, and the potential for improved human health is significant. The second area for immediate use of irradiation is in meeting plant quarantine requirements. The benefits described above and the approval of the scientific community are moving the technology toward greater utilization.

• OSTI ID: 6868580
• Report Number(s): CONF-891103--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA) Journal Volume: 60
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

553004* -- Agriculture & Food Technology-- Food Protection & Preservation-- (1987-)
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
DISINFESTATION
DOSES
FOOD
IRRADIATION
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PRESERVATION
PUBLIC HEALTH
PUBLIC OPINION
RADIATION DOSES
RADIODISINFESTATION
RADIOPRESERVATION
RADIOSTERILIZATION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SAFETY
STERILIZATION
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS
USES