Understanding the Technique
Safe Advancements in Food Irradiation Technology: Food irradiation is a controlled process where foods are exposed to regulated radiant energy to improve safety and shelf life. The technique causes radiolysis in water molecules, which helps suppress spoilage organisms and maintain food quality.
Static GK fact: India ranks among the world’s top food producers, increasing demand for reliable preservation tools.
Science and Safety Validation
The method is endorsed by global scientific bodies such as the American Medical Association, confirming no toxicological, nutritional, or microbiological issues when used as regulated. Decades of studies have established high safety margins for consumers.
Static GK Tip: The Codex Alimentarius Commission sets global food irradiation standards.
Radiation Types Used in Food Irradiation
Food irradiation uses three major types of ionizing radiation, each with unique advantages for food processing.
Gamma rays
Gamma rays are generated from radioactive forms of Cobalt-60. The Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) under the Department of Atomic Energy supplies Cobalt-60 for irradiation applications across India. Their deep penetration makes them suitable for bulk and packaged commodities.
X-rays
X-rays are produced by directing a high-energy electron beam at a target material, causing emission of radiation into the food product. X-ray systems are widely applied in medicine and industrial processing due to dependable penetration and flexibility.
Electron beams
Electron beams use a focused stream of high-energy electrons from an accelerator. They do not make food radioactive and are valued for rapid processing, particularly for surface-level treatment of products.
Static GK fact: Electron beam accelerators were first deployed for food use in the mid-20th century.
How Ionizing Radiation Acts
Ionizing radiation works through primary processes, which include direct ion or excited molecule formation, and secondary processes, involving interactions influenced by oxygen, water, and pH. These lead to radiolytic products that create negligible chemical change in food while delivering microbial safety.
Significance for Food Preservation
Irradiation aids in delaying ripening, inhibiting sprouting, and eliminating pests and pathogens. The method retains taste and texture of foods and plays a major role in reducing India’s post-harvest losses.
Static GK Tip: Post-harvest losses in India’s horticulture sector are estimated at 4–6%, making preservation technologies crucial.
Implementation in India
Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), the Ministry of Food Processing Industries promotes multiproduct irradiation units through the Cold Chain scheme. As of August 2025, 16 projects have been approved and 9 are operational, strengthening supply chains and export capacity.
Static GK fact: PMKSY was launched in 2017 to modernize India’s food processing ecosystem.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Safe Advancements in Food Irradiation Technology:
| Topic | Detail |
| Definition | Use of controlled radiant energy for food preservation |
| Key Radiation Types | Gamma rays, X-rays, Electron beams |
| Gamma Ray Source | Cobalt-60 supplied by BRIT |
| X-ray Use | High-energy electron reflection used in medicine and industry |
| Electron Beam Feature | Provides rapid processing through high-energy electrons |
| Scientific Validation | Supported by major global scientific bodies |
| Core Benefit | Eliminates pests, delays ripening, enhances safety |
| India’s Scheme | Supported under PMKSY Cold Chain infrastructure |
| Approved Units | 16 irradiation units approved in India |
| Operational Units | 9 units functioning as of Aug 2025 |
