IAEA Launches Project to Advance Food Irradiation Technology

The IAEA says traditional experimental methods alone are no longer sufficient to address the growing complexity of modern food processing systems.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched a new five-year research project designed to make food irradiation more accessible, efficient and scientifically reliable for countries around the world. Food irradiation is a well-established technology that uses gamma rays, electron beams and X-rays to reduce harmful microorganisms and eliminate insect pests in food products. The process helps improve food safety, reduce spoilage and support international trade by meeting phytosanitary requirements that protect crops and agricultural products from pests and diseases.

Despite its proven benefits, many countries still face significant challenges when implementing irradiation technologies because designing and validating treatment processes can be expensive, time-consuming and technically complex.

Current Methods Often Require Extensive Testing

Developing effective food irradiation systems involves many variables. Different foods, packaging materials, product shapes and radiation sources can all influence how radiation is distributed and how effective the treatment will be. Many facilities currently rely on extensive physical testing to determine the correct treatment conditions. When products, packaging or processing methods change, these tests often need to be repeated, increasing costs and slowing adoption.

The IAEA says traditional experimental methods alone are no longer sufficient to address the growing complexity of modern food processing systems. Existing computer models are often developed independently using different assumptions and methods, making it difficult to compare results or create consistent regulatory frameworks. This lack of harmonisation can create uncertainty for governments, regulators and businesses considering investments in food irradiation technologies.

Advanced Modelling Could Transform Decision-Making

The new Coordinated Research Project, known as "Modelling to Facilitate Uptake and Application of Food and Phytosanitary Irradiation," aims to address these challenges through improved mathematical modelling and simulation tools. Advanced techniques such as Monte Carlo simulations can accurately predict how radiation moves through different food products, packaging configurations and processing environments. These tools allow scientists and industry operators to understand treatment outcomes without relying entirely on costly physical experiments.

Modelling can also help researchers predict how bacteria, viruses and insect pests respond to radiation under different conditions. This information can support the development of more precise treatment doses and strengthen confidence in food safety measures.

Supporting Food Security and Global Trade

Researchers believe integrated modelling approaches could significantly improve the design of irradiation processes by considering factors such as storage conditions, packaging materials and temperature alongside radiation exposure. The project seeks to create harmonised, validated models that can be used by countries with varying levels of technical expertise. By providing more reliable scientific evidence, the initiative could help governments and food industry leaders better evaluate the benefits of irradiation in reducing food losses, preventing illness and strengthening agricultural trade.

As global food systems face growing pressure from population growth, climate change and increasing food safety demands, the IAEA hopes the new project will help make irradiation technologies more practical, affordable and widely adopted around the world.