Commercialisation of ionising energy treatment of food.

Abstract

The global need to ensure adequate food supplies places demand on new technologies and techniques to improve yields and preservation of food by eliminating or reducing bacterial degradation and infestation of raw or processed foods. The use of ionising radiation in food processing also has potential to alleviate certain food-borne diseases which cause serious threats to the health of people in many countries. The Australian Government through the Australian Atomic Energy Commission is pleases to undertake the lead role over the next three years by providing funds for Phase II of the Regional Cooperative Agreement to assist in accelerating the establishment of the food irradiation process on a commercial basis. Australia with its research interest in the food irradiation process over the past 25 years was prepared to assemble its National experts to present the workshop as the initial event of the Phase II program to support the transfer of the technology within the region. The workshop was viewed as a highlight of the Atomic Energy Commission's support for the peaceful application of nuclear research and technology in the region.