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What is food irradiation? What’s wrong with food irradiation? Why are the Queensland government and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) fast-tracking a blanket approval for the irradiation of all fruit and vegetables? Why does this matter? What has been approved to date? Why do we recommend that FSANZ reject A1193?

What is food irradiation?

Answer

Food Irradiation is the process of exposing food to ionising radiation from Cobalt-60, X-rays or electron beams. The food is mostly treated to neutralise pest insects or microbes, and to extend its shelf life.   

The Australian government has allowed food irradiation since 2001 after a 10-year moratorium was  lifted. Since then, Australia and New Zealand government-supported industry campaigns have  promoted irradiation as an ’alternative’ to pesticides. Irradiated food is labelled, albeit inadequately.  There has been an ongoing push to remove mandatory labelling requirements.