ABSTRACT
This chapter covers a certain utilization aspects of food irradiation which are important not only from the technological point of view but also certain public health aspects as well. It also covers the utilization aspects of food irradiation are improving the quality and sanitation of food; quarantine treatment for fruits and vegetables; and reduction of chemical residues in foods. Significant improvements in technological and hygienic quality of food may be accrued through the application of ionizing radiation. Applying insecticides directly to the fish, either during sun-drying or storage, had been used as the only fly disinfestation method before the chemical residue problem was recognized. Laws requiring the disinfestation of tropical fruits before importation is permitted are particularly important when considering the expansion of markets for tropical fruits. Because of increasing concern for possible health hazards associated with chemical residues, irradiation has been proposed as a replacement for these chemicals.
