radiation sterilization

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radiation sterilization

food processing

Also known as: irradiation

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Food irradiation is a process that uses high-energy radiation, such as gamma rays or electron beams, to preserve food. This radiation breaks chemical bonds and ionizes molecules, effectively killing bacteria and other microorganisms. The absorbed dose is measured in grays (Gy).1

Irradiation can eliminate pathogenic bacteria and parasites, extending the shelf life of foods like meats, poultry, and seafood. Different dose levels are used: radappertization for sterilization, radurization for targeting specific pathogens (similar to pasteurization), and radicidation for shelf-life extension and sprouting inhibition.1

While irradiation can cause changes in fats and carbohydrates, leading to potential rancidity or reduced gelling power, these effects can be minimized. Studies have concluded that irradiation, within recommended doses, is safe for food products and does not induce radioactivity. This method is energy-efficient compared to refrigeration or canning and reduces the need for chemical preservatives.234

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food preservation
Food irradiation
Food irradiation involves the use of either high-speed electron beams or high-energy radiation with wavelengths smaller than 200 nanometres, or 2000 angstroms (e.g., X-rays and gamma rays). These rays contain sufficient energy to break chemical bonds and ionize molecules that lie in their path.…
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Food irradiation involves the use of either high-speed electron beams or high-energy radiation with wavelengths smaller than 200 nanometres, or 2000 angstroms (e.g., X-rays and gamma rays). These rays contain sufficient energy to break chemical bonds and ionize molecules that lie in their path.…
Read More

fish processing
Irradiating
Irradiation offers a means of pasteurizing or sterilizing a variety of food products. However, the use of this process has not been universally accepted throughout the food industry.
Read More
Irradiation offers a means of pasteurizing or sterilizing a variety of food products. However, the use of this process has not been universally accepted throughout the food industry.
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fruit processing
Irradiation
Although irradiation is an expensive method, it has been shown to be an effective means of extending the shelf life of fresh fruits. Irradiated fruit products have not been well received by the public, even in light of evidence supporting the healthfulness and safety…
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Although irradiation is an expensive method, it has been shown to be an effective means of extending the shelf life of fresh fruits. Irradiated fruit products have not been well received by the public, even in light of evidence supporting the healthfulness and safety…
Read More

meat processing
Irradiation
Irradiation, or radurization, is a pasteurization method accomplished by exposing meat to doses of radiation. Radurization is as effective as heat pasteurization in killing food-spoilage microorganisms. Irradiation of meat is accomplished by exposing meat to high-energy ionizing radiation produced either by electron accelerators or…
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Irradiation, or radurization, is a pasteurization method accomplished by exposing meat to doses of radiation. Radurization is as effective as heat pasteurization in killing food-spoilage microorganisms. Irradiation of meat is accomplished by exposing meat to high-energy ionizing radiation produced either by electron accelerators or…
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vegetable processing
Irradiation
Ionizing radiation, mostly gamma-ray, has been used in several countries to preserve vegetables. The practice is quite common in preventing potatoes from sprouting during long-term storage. Despite studies showing that products treated with low-dose ionizing radiation are safe, consumers are still concerned about this…
Read More
Ionizing radiation, mostly gamma-ray, has been used in several countries to preserve vegetables. The practice is quite common in preventing potatoes from sprouting during long-term storage. Despite studies showing that products treated with low-dose ionizing radiation are safe, consumers are still concerned about this…
Read More