Irradiation for the Prevention of Foodborne Diseases

Abstract

A five-year coordinated research project (CRP) is currently under way in the Americas on the application of irradiation to prevent foodborne diseases. It is being cosponsored by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/International Atomic Energy Agency (FAO/IAEA) Division on Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. The objective of the CRP is to assist institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean in investigating the efficacy of using irradiation as a public health intervention to control Vibrio spp. infection resulting from consumption of raw or semi-cooked seafood, as well as cysticercosis/taeniasis from pork. Because the safety and effectiveness of irradiation in controlling these foodborne diseases has been amply demonstrated, the CRP will emphasize implementation of the technology through pilot projects throughout the region