In some cases, the bacteria themselves are not dangerous, but they produce toxins that are. For example, Clostridium botulinum bacteria produce a toxin that causes botulism, a dangerous illness.
Food irradiation can control the spread, growth, and survival of the C. However, food irradiation cannot remove all food dangers:. Currently, food irradiators use one of three kinds of radiation: gamma rays from cobalt sources , electron beams, or x-rays. All three methods work the same way.
Bulk or packaged food passes through a radiation chamber on a conveyor belt. The food does not come into contact with radioactive materials, but instead passes through a radiation beam, like a large flashlight. The ionizing radiation sends enough energy into the bacterial or mold cells in the food to break chemical bonds. This damages the pathogens enough for them to die or no longer multiply, which reduces illness or spoilage. Irradiating food does not make it radioactive. Members of the public are not exposed to radiation used in the irradiation of food.
It is important to identify any foods or food chemicals that may trigger your asthma, but this must be done under strict medical supervision. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.
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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Healthy eating. Home Healthy eating. Food irradiation. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Irradiated foods and radioactivity Food irradiation procedure Benefits of food irradiation Effects of irradiation on food Community reactions to food irradiation Labelling of irradiated foods Proper food handling is still needed Where to get help.
Irradiated foods and radioactivity There is a common misconception that irradiated food is radioactive. Food irradiation procedure The food is exposed to ionising radiation, either from gamma rays or a high-energy electron beam or powerful x-rays. Benefits of food irradiation Some of the benefits of this food processing technique include: extended shelf life of some products less food spoilage reduced risk of food-borne diseases caused by micro-organisms such as Campylobacter , Salmonella, E.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA astronauts eat meat that has been sterilized by irradiation to avoid getting foodborne illnesses when they fly in space. The FDA has evaluated the safety of irradiated food for more than 30 years and has found the process to be safe. The FDA requires that irradiated foods bear the international symbol for irradiation.
Bulk foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are required to be individually labeled or to have a label next to the sale container. The FDA does not require that individual ingredients in multi-ingredient foods e.
It is important to remember that irradiation is not a replacement for proper food handling practices by producers, processors, and consumers. While pasteurization uses heat to kill microorganisms, irradiation uses a form of energy called ionizing radiation.
The process involves exposing food, either in bulk or packaged, to gamma rays for a specified amount of time.
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