Home Page Food Irradiation is a process in which gamma rays, x-rays, or electrons are used to disinfect, preserve, or sterilize food. The most common source used in irradiation is cobalt-60, a radioactive isotope that emits gamma rays as it decays. The same process used in food irradiation is used to sterilize medical products such as bandages, sutures, gowns, and gloves.
Irradiation is similar to sending luggage through an airport scanner.
It kills germs and retards spoilage. Irradiation interferes with bacterial genetics so the contaminating organism can no longer survive and multiply. Click here to see a list of what food irradiation protect against. This is a comparison of the radioactive symbol and the symbol for irradiation. The amount of energy used in irradiation is not enough to make foods radioactive.