Gamma irradiation

Gamma irradiation is a physical means of sterilisation or decontamination where products are exposed to gamma rays.  The gamma rays, which are a form of electromagnetic radiation of very short-wave lengths, act as a source of ionising energy that destroys bacteria and pests.  The isotope Cobalt-60 is the most common source of gamma rays for irradiation processing and is used by Steritech.  The Cobalt-60 is manufactured specifically for the irradiation process and is housed in specially designed chambers operating to strict standards and regulations. 

Steritech’s gamma irradiation process does not involve sufficient energy to make treated products radioactive. The product being treated does not come into contact with the Cobalt-60 and when the process is complete the energy does not remain in the product. Gamma irradiation is known as a ‘Cold Process’ as the temperature of the processed product does not increase significantly. It is also a chemical free process that is not reliant on humidity, temperature or pressure and can be applied to packaged goods.