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Meet on Radiation Processing focusses on making irradiated food acceptable
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Friday, 29 April, 2016, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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fiogf49gjkf0d fiogf49gjkf0d A special meet on Radiation Processing Facilities for food retailers, was organised on Wednesday, by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), at Mumbai.
The meet focussed on regulatory aspects of Radiation Processing Facilities, demonstration of electronic Licensing of Radiation Applications Systems (e-LORA), challenges in taking irradiated products to consumers in the country and so on.
The highlight of the event was that “Potato Wadas” made from gamma irradiated potatoes, were served, which were well received by the delegates. The delegates were aware that the potatoes were gamma irradiated prior to consumption.
Some of the key speakers were Dr S P Kale, head, food technology division and associate director, Bio-Science Group, BARC; Dr Ganesh G, chief executive, Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology; F Lal, director, nuclear projects safety division, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board; and Dr A U Sonawane, head, radiological safety division, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
A large number of food and agricultural commodities produced in the country go waste either due to poor storage conditions or lack of proper storage methods. It is estimated that more than 25-30% of food is being wasted in the country. Food irradiation, which has been extensively researched at BARC as well as other research centres in the world establishing its suitability as a preservative method, can be a likely solution to this issue.
Further, Codex, World Health Organization (WHO), FAO and other world food regulatory bodies have confirmed that irradiation does not induce special nutritional problems in food. Also the Government of India has approved gamma irradiation as a preservation method for several food products as it does not affect the nutritional quality.
Onions and potatoes are irradiated to inhibit sprouting. Food grains like wheat and rice and products like maida and atta are also irradiated in the country for insect control.Usage of gamma irradiation especially in FCI godowns will reduce wastage of food commodities. There are 17 centres in the country which can make irradiated food available for common people. It would decrease the percentage of loss of food commodities.
There is a myth in the minds of the people that food will become radioactive when it is irradiated. This is not correct. There is no question of food becoming radioactive. Radiation is an external light passing through and not deposited in the food. Radiation is an effective method for decontamination but does not produce any radiation in the food. Government of India has approved New Atomic Energy Rules 2012, which allow several food items to be irradiated and dose limits have been specified.
There are eight classes identified and special dose limits are put to each class. If one adheres to these rules intelligently and effectively, one can safely use the quantum of food material and make it available to everyone at a very reasonable cost.
AERB has already approved safety standards with regard to operations of such Radiation Processing Facilities and other key areas such as essential requirements and physical security. AERB licence is a mandatory requirement for such facilities.
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