International Regulatory Status and Harmonization of Food Irradiation

U.S. regulatory officials and some consumer advocates, academicians, media, and industry representatives share the opinion that radiation processing may be a solution to food safety and agricultural protection problems that now exist throughout the world. The status of existing regulations and new regulations being developed by U.S. regulatory agencies and being petitioned by industry groups is discussed and compared with regulations in other countries. Renewed interest on the part of the U.S. Army in using irradiated foods in many of their rations is reviewed. The status of demonstration irradiation facilities sponsored by the Department of Energy is outlined. Comments on harmonization of radiation process controls, dosimetry standards, and other practices that are important aspects of international trade in irradiated foods are provided.