Facts About Food Irradiation

Food irradiation is a processing technology whereby certain types of food can be exposed to a source of ionising energy in order to kill or sterilise insects, bacteria, micro-organisms and other pathogens.   

Food irradiation is used around the world and the widely held scientific consensus after more than fifty years of research is that when carried out within specified standards irradiation produces food that is safe to eat.

Before food can be irradiated it must first go through a strict safety assessment by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and, if approved, must be labeled as having been treated by radiation.

For more information visit the FSANZ website here or click here for sone answers to frequently asked questions on food irradiation.

Irradiation as an alternative to use of Dimethoate and Fenthion in horticulture

An important opportunity exists to replace existing chemical treatments of Australian fruit and vegetables, which pose risks to human health and the environment, with the safe, chemical-free process of food irradiation.

The Australian Government is currently considering restricting the current use of two commonly used insecticides, Dimethoate and Fenthion, due to concerns about their impact on human health and the environment.

Irradiation provides the horticulture industry with another tool to manage pests at a time when the use of insecticides faces increasing regulatory restrictions and when there are growing consumer concerns about chemical residues in fresh food.

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Irradiation as a treatment option for insect infestation of fruit and vegetables

Food irradiation is used around the world as a tool for eliminating pests in fruit and vegetables. 

In Australia, there is regulatory approval for irradiation to be used to treat a range of tropical fruits, such as mangoes, papayas and litchis (or lychees), for pests such as fruit fly prior to domestic sale or for export to markets like New Zealand.

Food irradiation is an attractive option for industry as it is non-invasive, effective against a broad spectrum of insects, does not heat the fruit and vegetables or expose them to water, and is a relatively quick and cost competitive process.

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Irradiated fruit exports

Australian mangoes, papayas and litchis treated with irradiation are sold widely in New Zealand.

New Zealand has strict quarantine measures in place to protect its pest free status in relation to a number of insects, including fruit fly. Previously, quarantine restrictions prevented some Australian fruit and vegetables from being exported to New Zealand, but irradiation has opened up trade between the two countries in tropical fruits.

Growing volumes of irradiated tropical fruit, especially Australian mangoes, are now successfully being exported to New Zealand and are sold through mainstream retail channels.

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Irradiation of dry cat food

Irradiation is effective in eliminating pests and bacteria in commercial pet food and can be a tool for managing biosecurity risks. The technology has been successfully applied to food products, including commercial pet food, in many countries around the world.

There have been some issues with the health of cats consuming dry pet food treated by high dose irradiation, especially when the cat does not receive a mixed diet. Research shows these issues are limited to cats only.

Irradiation technology can broadly and safely be applied to pet food as long as specific management processes are implemented in relation to dry pet food for cats while more research can be undertaken into the issue.

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