Radiation processing is a cold process and therefore, unlike heat, it can be used on agricultural commodities without changing their fresh-like character
Radiation processing does not alter significantly nutritional value, flavour, texture andappearance of food.
Radiation using Cobalt-60 cannot induce any radioactivity in food and does not leave any harmful or toxic radioactive residues on foods as is the case with chemical fumigants
Due to the highly penetrating nature of the radiation energy , it is very effective method
Pre-packaged foods can be treated for hygienization and improving shelf-life.
The radiation processing facilities are environment friendly and are safe to workers and public around.
Limitation Of Use
Radiation processing is a need based technology and cannot be applied to all kinds of foods.
Radiation processing cannot make a bad or spoiled food look good.
It cannot destroy already present pesticides and toxins in foods.
Amenability of a particular food commodity to radiation processing has to be tested in a laboratory.
Only those foods for which specific benefits are achieved by applying appropriate doses and those duly permitted under the Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing of Food and Allied Products) Rules, 2012 can be processed by radiation.
