Development of Electron Beam and X Ray Applications for Food Irradiation

Gamma irradiation of food is a simple, reliable, and mature technology. However, more use of alternative irradiation technologies, based on electrically generated sources, would help complement the available capacity. Electron beams and X rays generated from electricity are technologies that avoid the procurement, transport, storage, disposal, and safeguarding issues associated with the use of radioisotopes. Arising from an IAEA coordinated research project, this publication reports on research to develop new tools in food irradiation and to rapidly ascertain treatment parameters before irradiation, including high energy (MeV) and low energy (keV) electron beam and X ray irradiation. Comparative studies of gamma, electron beam and X ray irradiation for food and phytosanitary uses are also presented.