Raporty IChTJ. Seria B no. 1/2006
Andrzej G. Chmielewski
Joint FAO/IAEA/WHO Expert Committee approved the use of radiation treatment of foods. Nowadays food
packaging are mostly made of plastics, natural or synthetic, therefore effect of irradiation on these
materials is crucial for packing engineering for food irradiation technology. By selecting the right
polymer materials for food packaging it can be ensured that the critical elements of material and product
performance are not compromised. When packaging materials are in contact with food at the time of
irradiation that regulatory approvals sometimes apply.
The review of the R&D and technical papers regarding material selection, testing and approval is
presented in the report. The most information come from the USA where this subject is well elaborated,
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports are reviewed as well. The report can be useful
for scientists and food irradiation plants operators.