The impact of irradiated food on developing countries

The demand for food and agricultural products in the developing countries is expected to increase - a reduction in food losses would be beneficial. Most fruits and vegetables are perishable and have a limited marketable life. There are a number of technologies which could be used to extend the marketable life of these commodities e.g chemical preservatives, drying, freezing, canning and irradiation. Much work has been done in the use of irradiation in the preservation of food and also in the control of foodborne diseases which is of particular importance in the developing countries of Asia and the Pacific Region. (author)