New ISO standard means safer radiation

Food irradiation could be made safer with the introduction of a new ISO standard, ISO 14470:2011.

In a statement on its website, ISO said that the new standard will benefit those involved in food processing, from manufacturers through to consumers. Ultimately, ISO hopes the standard will lead to greater confidence in and transparency between food regulators and consumer representatives.

Food irradiation involves exposing food to ionising radiation to improve its safety and quality. It can control pathogenic microorganisms and parasites, reduce the number of microorganisms that lead to spoilage and extend a product’s shelf life. Irradiating bulbs, tubers and root crops can even prevent them from sprouting.

Irradiation is only suitable for food that has been produced under what ISO calls good manufacturing practice (GMP) principles.

ISO 1470:2011 has several objectives. It aims to provide directions for an agreement between customers and irradiator operators, as well as establishing a system of documentation to support the controls on the food irradiation process.