Lok Sabha Question No. 837 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-03-01
Subject: Use of Radiation Technoloy in FPI
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: HARI MANJHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.837

ANSWERED ON 1 ST  MARCH, 2016

## USE OF RADIATION TECHNOLOG IN FPI

## 837. SHRI HARI MANJHI:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering to utilise radiation technology for processing and storage of agricultural products in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has prepared any primary report regarding effects of radiation on food products; and
- (d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

(a) &  (b): Yes,  Madam.  Government  of  India  has  cleared  several  commodities  under  new Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing of Food & Allied Products) Rules 2012  in  Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 for preservation through  irradiation.  A  major  facility  in  the  Government  sector  catering  to  irradiation  of  fresh horticultural produce is the KRUSHAK facility at Lasalgaon, Nashik District, Maharashtra State, India.  The  facility  has  been  used  for  irradiating  mangoes  for  export  to  USA  since  2007. Radiation processing plant at Vashi, Navi Mumbai, under the Department of Atomic Energy, has been processing spices and dry ingredients for microbial decontamination since the year 2000.

With  the  objective  of  arresting  post-harvest  losses  of  horticulture  &  non-horticulture produce, Ministry of  Food Processing Industries  is operating a scheme  for Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure for grant of financial assistance for setting up inter alia, irradiation  facilities  by  individuals  or  group  of  entrepreneurs,  cooperative  societies,  Self  Help Group etc.

(c) &  (d): The  energy  involved  in  irradiation  is  not  strong  enough  to  cause  changes  at  the atomic level, and since the food is never in contact with a radioactive source, the  food cannot become  radioactive.  Several  extensive  reviews  of  toxicological  data  by  regulatory  and  health organizations, have determined that food irradiated at doses below 10 kGy is safe. In fact, food is safer  after  being  irradiated  because  the  process  destroys  harmful  bacteria  that  may  be  present.

Numerous  published  research  studies  have  tried  to  identify  problems  resulting  from  eating irradiated foods but failed to disclose any health risks. Several of these studies were long term, multi-generation feeding studies, involving several species of test animals. A joint study group of FAO/IAEA/WHO in 1997 evaluated data on wholesomeness of food irradiated with doses above 10 kGy and recommended that food irradiated with any dose to achieve technical objectives is safe and nutritionally adequate. No upper limit, therefore, needs to be imposed as long as food is irradiated based on prevailing good manufacturing practices.

Among the legislations that govern food irradiation in the country, The Atomic Energy (Control  of  Irradiation  of  Food)  Rules  1991,  the  primary  legislation  that  regulates  food irradiation was amended and the notification issued recently in June 2012. A generic class-based approval  has  been  approved  for  increasing  the  product  range  for  radiation  processing.  It  will provide  year  long  availability  of  feedstock  for  irradiation  plants  and  improve  their  economic viability. Irradiation of food is also governed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Regulations issued thereunder.

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