Advances in Food Irradiation and It's Potential Roles in Korea

한국에 있어서 식품조사 기술의 진보와 식품산업에서의 역할

Based on the safety of irradiated foods which was demonstrated from the toxicological, microbiological and nutritional points of view, irradiation has been identified as a viable technology for food preservation and processing, having a potential both of reducing storage losses by controlling spoilage organisms, sprouting and ripening, and of improving hygienic quality of raw and processed products. Research and development over decades in the field of food irradiation have led to the regulatory approval in 37 countries and of them 25 countries including Korea are commercially utilizing food irradiation process. Although progress towards acceptance of food irradiation by the industry is slow, actual market trials have shown that once consumers have understood this technology, they are willing to buy irradiated foods. Considering recent advances in food irradiation and restrictions in the use of chemical fumigants, it is expected that food irradiation is in the process of "taking off". This paper deals with up-to-date progress in food irradiation with particular reference to domestic activities in legislation, consumer perception, commercialization, and potential applications in the food industry.