Introduction #
The shelf life of food is limited in particular by the growth of bacteria, yeast, mold and other micro-organisms, which cause putrefaction and other destruction. The primary purpose of preservation is to prevent microbial degradation of food and especially to control the growth of disease-causing (pathogenic) microorganisms [1].
Our food can be chemically preserved by spraying with preservatives that kill bacteria [2]. Although the method is effective, it also means we eat preservatives.
Another better method to use is Food irradiation (sometimes radurization or radurisation). In this proces, the food is exposed to ionizing radiation. This can come from sources such as gamma rays or electron beams. When exposed to the radiation, the radiation interacts with microorganisms, insects or other harmful pathogens in the food [3]. Cobalt-60 is the most common source of gamma rays for food irradiation in commercial scale facilities.
It is important to remember that irradiated is not the same as radioactive.
The method is completely safe and you should not be afraid of it. Here’s why:
- Irradiated objects do not become Radioactive. Similarly, an object illuminated by light does not begin to glow by itself. Radiation is not contagious, and it is not possible for something to begin to radiate if it had been irradiated.
- During irradiation, no additional chemical compounds are introduced.
- Radiation effectively destroys bacteria, viruses and fungi.
