Radiation of food radiation (ionization)

2018: Development of technology of processing of food ionizing radiation

On October 30, 2018 there was information that in 2020 in Russia can begin processing of food with ionizing radiation. As the official representative of Rusatom Healthcare (structure of Rosatom state corporation) told Izvestia, the company is going to develop necessary technology until the end of 2019.

Until the end of 2019 we are going to carry out analytical and scientific researches for the purpose of further use of this technology in agriculture. As of October, 2018 we make the equipment for this technology and we are going to enter the market of commercial processing of food as we consider that this technology is very perspective — the expert of Rusatom Healthcare said.[1]

According to him, similar processing will suppress development of pathogenic microorganisms and insects wreckers, increasing thus security and storage life of products. Also using this method it will be possible to disinfect products after harvesting and to accelerate their growth. Besides, radiation exposure will give the chance to prevent germination a root - and tuber crops at long storage and to slow down maturing of fresh fruit and vegetables before their availability.

At the same time, it is supposed that the technology will allow to increase a harvest, to reduce losses of suppliers, to reduce dependence on use of preservatives and also to provide with fresh products the population of the remote regions.

Nevertheless, effects of radiation of products are up to the end not studied, the representative of Rusatom Healthcare emphasized. At the same time costs for the expensive equipment for processing can affect products price.^[2]

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Russia supported the actions plan, directed to studying of a possibility of use of the ionizing radiation for processing of products. On October 30, 2018 reported about it TASS in the press service of the ministry.

According to department, efficiency analysis of technology will be carried out taking into account the Russian and foreign scientific data. During the research experts will define the list "the indicators which are subject to control for quality assurance and security of different types of food products and packaging". Reports according to the results of a research will be submitted in the Ministry of Health and Rospotrebnadzor "for receiving positions of departments about applicability of ionizing radiation for processing of agricultural and food products".

The chief non-staff nutritionist of the Russian Ministry of Health, the research supervisor of the Federal center of a power supply, biotechnology and security of food Victor Tutelyan told TASS that the technology of ionizing radiation for processing of agricultural products and also food was already applied earlier. The research, according to Tutelyan, is connected most likely with development of more modern equipment.

The method is approved, it is regulated, all hygienic procedures are observed<...> But if assessment is required again, it will be made in the system of Rospotrebnadzor — he added.[3]

As noted, in many countries of the world processing of this kind is already widely used. In particular, the American astronauts eat food which underwent such processing on the International Space Station.

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