Irradiation of food

How is radiation used in the Australian food industry?

Radiation is used to control the spread of pests like fruit flies. In herbs and spices, and plant material for herbal infusions, radiation is also used to control sprouting and treat microbiological contamination.

The Code specifies the forms of radiation that are permitted to be used in Australia.

What food gets irradiated?

Before foods can be irradiated, they must be approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). The following types of food are permitted to be treated with radiation:

1. Fresh fruit and fresh vegetables;
2. Herbs and spices; and
3. Plant material for herbal infusions.

Is it safe to eat?

Food that has been treated with radiation in accordance with the requirements of the Code is safe to eat.

The Code prescribes strict requirements for food irradiation including the types of food and the maximum absorbed dose of radiation for the specific types of food. The Code requirements were developed through comprehensive health risk and technical assessments by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

Does it make food radioactive?

Irradiated food is not radioactive, and you can't get sick from eating it. The radiation passes through the food without making it radioactive. Additionally, the radioactive sources used to produce the radiation never come into direct contact with the food.

The full risk and technical assessment report is available on the FSANZ website (external site).

Does it kill all bacteria in food?

No. Not all bacteria or viruses can be killed using food irradiation. Proper food handling and hygiene practices remain essential in preventing foodborne illnesses.

How will consumers know that the food they buy has been irradiated?

The Code has labelling requirements for food that has been irradiated. This allows consumers to make informed choices on the food they buy.

The information relating to irradiated foods that must be stated in labelling is:

• if the food has been irradiated - a statement to the effect that the food has been treated with ionising radiation; and
• if the food has as an ingredient or component that has been irradiated - a statement to the effect that the ingredient or component has been treated with ionising radiation.

The label must:

• accompany the food (eg. sticker on the produce/food); or
• be displayed in connection with the display of the food.

Does it impact on the nutritional properties of fresh fruit and vegetables?

FSANZ risks assessment (external site) concluded that the permitted radiation dose for fresh fruit and vegetables do not pose a nutritional risk to the population.

Record keeping

In Australia, any person who irradiates food are required to keep the following records to demonstrate compliance with the Code:

• the nature and quality of the food treated; and
• the lot identification; and
• the minimum durable life of the food treated; and
• the process used; and
• compliance with the process used; and
• the minimum and maximum dose absorbed by the food; and
• an indication whether or not the product has been irradiated previously and if so, details of such treatment; and
• the date of irradiation.

More information

For any questions about the standard contact your local government environmental health services (external site).