Irradiation of food is a practice food that start with a eliminates bacteria that may lead to food poisoning. This page details the irradiation process and how it is not harmful to consumers.
Irradiation is a technique used in food production. It can be used to kill bacteria that cause food poisoning, such as salmonella, campylobacter and E. It also helps to preserve food and reduce food waste. Irradiation can be used to control invasive species by removing insects from imported shipments of food. During irradiation, food is exposed to electron beams, X-rays or gamma rays.
The effect is similar to other preservation methods, such as pasteurisation or cooking. The appearance and texture of the food changes less during irradiation than other preservation methods. Irradiated food has been exposed to radiation but does not become radioactive itself. Safety of irradiated food Irradiation has been used to keep food safe in many countries around the world since the late 1950s. How irradiation changes food Irradiation changes food in similar ways as other preservation techniques, such as cooking, canning and pasteurisation. Some vitamins may be reduced but this happens whenever foods are preserved or stored long-term. There is no evidence that any of the changes caused by food irradiation are a risk to the health of consumers.
The law covering food irradiation states that irradiation can only be used where it is of benefit to the consumer. A company that wants to irradiate a food product has to be able to show that the benefits of irradiation outweigh any negative aspects. An example of the benefits of irradiation is reducing the risk of foodborne illness. This will vary between different foods and will mean that the use of food irradiation is more suitable to some foods than others.
Categories of foods that could be irradiated and sold There are seven categories of food that may be irradiated in the UK. These categories of food can also be irradiated and used as ingredients in other food products. Where an irradiated food is used as an ingredient in another food, these words must appear next to the ingredient in the list of ingredients. If irradiated food is not pre-packed these words must appear on a display or notice above or beside the container in which the food is placed. This absorbed energy kills the bacteria that can cause food poisoning in a similar way that heat energy kills bacteria when food is cooked. They can also delay fruit ripening and help stop vegetables from sprouting. Once the irradiation treatment has stopped, the food quickly loses this absorbed energy in the same way that cooked food quickly cools down.
Intro How we assess and regulate levels of radioactivity in food. Intro Information on the risks of acrylamide and how you can reduce the chances of being harmed by it. Food safety touches everyone in the country. Is there anything wrong with this page? How should we improve this page? Recipes Elite athlete, weekend warrior, or somewhere in between, our quick, delicious recipes will help you look, feel, and perform at your very best. Getting enough protein from plants is not only easy, but superior to animal-based protein for optimal performance and health.