Food irradiation technology: Prospects and future applications

Abstract

Food irradiation technology (FIT) is a non-thermal processing that covers all significant aspects of food processing and preservation such as shelf-life extension, natural flavour maintenance, chemical-free preservation, and pathogen reduction. Excessive irradiation dosages can have negative consequences on food, which may include a reduction in functional and sensory qualities. On the other hand, the standard dose can have a positive influence, such as phytosanitary treatments, detoxifying aflatoxins, reducing pathogenic microorganism growth, reducing allergenicity of food allergens and increasing the product’s shelf life. Consumer acceptance, prejudice, incorrect information, stringent legal and regulatory restrictions, and a subsequent unwillingness of food makers and the food trade to employ the latest technology are all impediments to FIT.