Training of personnel involved in regulatory control

Food irradiation can offer its full potential benefit only if irradiation facilities and processes are subject to strict control measures. The training of personnel involved in the process and inspection or control of the process and facilities must form an integral part of all food irradiation control procedures. Thus, training courses for irradiator operators, plant managers and supervisors that address proper processing with emphasis on good manufacturing practices (GMPs), dosimetry, record keeping and lot identification should be organized. For food control officials, training in the appropriate inspection procedures required for food irradiation facilities and processes is essential. Last but not least, voluntary compliance is deemed as an ideal but conceivable strategy to sustain and acceptable degree of quality assurance and facilitate effective control and hence should be promoted. (author). 13 refs