<P> Food irradiation is the process of exposing food and food packaging to ionizing radiation . Ionizing radiation , such from gamma rays , x-rays or electron beams , is energy that can be transmitted without direct contact to the source of the energy ( radiation ) capable of freeing electrons from their atomic bonds ( ionization ) in the targeted food . The radiation can be emitted by a radioactive substance or generated electrically . This treatment is used to improve food safety by extending product shelf - life ( preservation ) , reducing the risk of foodborne illness , delaying or eliminating sprouting or ripening , by sterilization of foods , and as a means of controlling insects and invasive pests . Food irradiation primarily extends the shelf - life of irradiated foods by effectively destroying organisms responsible for spoilage and foodborne illness and inhibiting sprouting . Although consumer perception of foods treated with irradiation is more negative than those processed by other means , because people imagine that the food is radioactive or mutated , all independent research , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , the Center for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , and U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) have confirmed irradiation to be safe . </P>
<P> Food irradiation is the process of exposing food and food packaging to ionizing radiation . Ionizing radiation , such from gamma rays , x-rays or electron beams , is energy that can be transmitted without direct contact to the source of the energy ( radiation ) capable of freeing electrons from their atomic bonds ( ionization ) in the targeted food . The radiation can be emitted by a radioactive substance or generated electrically . This treatment is used to improve food safety by extending product shelf - life ( preservation ) , reducing the risk of foodborne illness , delaying or eliminating sprouting or ripening , by sterilization of foods , and as a means of controlling insects and invasive pests . Food irradiation primarily extends the shelf - life of irradiated foods by effectively destroying organisms responsible for spoilage and foodborne illness and inhibiting sprouting . Although consumer perception of foods treated with irradiation is more negative than those processed by other means , because people imagine that the food is radioactive or mutated , all independent research , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , the Center for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , and U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) have confirmed irradiation to be safe . </P>
what is the reason for irradiating food with gamma rays
what is the reason for irradiating food with gamma rays
to improve food safety by extending product shelf - life ( preservation ) reducing the risk of foodborne illness delaying or eliminating sprouting or ripening sterilization of foods as a means of controlling insects and invasive pests
to improve food safety by extending product shelf - life ( preservation ) reducing the risk of foodborne illness delaying or eliminating sprouting or ripening sterilization of foods as a means of controlling insects and invasive pests