EN
The aim of food irradiation is the preservation or hygienization of food products for storage. In some countries sterilization of food products by radiation is being now proceeded for hospital purposees. Depending on the purpose radiation technology for preserving food products may be applied in different dose ranges. Delay in postharvest fruits ripening, inhibition of sprouting (onion, garlic, potato), and control of insectpests, and parasites in food products may be achieved at low doses (up to 1 kGy). Irradiation of food with moderate doses (1-10 kGy) partly inactivates bacteria, moulds, and yeasts, resulting in prolonged food storage. High doses (10-50 kGy) of ionizing radiation are used for food sterilization. Irradiated food is neither radioactive, carcinogenous, nor mutagenic. The legislative regulations accepting the use and determining conditions of food irradiation technology have been introduced in 38 countries.