Ionizing radiation has high energy which is enough to break the molecular bonds and ionize atoms. As a result, materials exposed to this radiation undergo modification in their physical, chemical and biological properties. At present, the principal industrial applications of this radiation are sterilization of health care products including pharmaceuticals, irradiation of food and agriculture products (for various end objectives, such as dis-infestation, shelf life extension, sprout inhibition, pest control etc.) and materials modification (such as chain scission, polymer cross linking and gemstone colorization etc.). In simple words, it is a good example of “one process-multiple applications”. Using same technology, Radiation Processing Plant, Vashi was commissioned in the year 2000 and operating successfully. This technology is well proven. Presently 19 plants are operational and many more are under construction. 
Main advantages of this technology are:

• Radiation processing is a cold process and therefore, unlike heat, it can be used on agricultural commodities without changing their fresh-like character
• Radiation processing does not alter significantly nutritional value, flavor, texture and appearance of food.
• Radiation using Cobalt-60 cannot induce any radioactivity in food and does not leave any harmful or toxic radioactive residues on foods as is the case with chemical fumigants.
• Due to the highly penetrating nature of the radiation energy, it is very effective method.
• Pre-packaged foods can be treated for hygienization and improving shelf-life.
• The radiation processing facilities are environment friendly and are safe to workers and public around.

Food can be processed by radiation only in those facilities which are authorized by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and Licensed by the DAE and FSSAI.

Radiation Processing a prominent process for sterilization of healthcare products, hygienization of spices, herbal products and cosmetics and disinfestation of grains, cereals and pulses. It is also used for sprout inhibition of bulbs, tubers and rhizomes. Co-60 is used as gamma source in irradiation cell and product is moved around the source by suitable conveyor systems in predetermined product geometry and for specified duration to impart prescribed radiation dose.

Main advantages of this technology are:

• Radiation processing is a cold process and therefore, unlike heat, it can be used on agricultural commodities without changing their fresh-like character
• Radiation processing does not alter significantly nutritional value, flavor, texture and appearance of food.
• Radiation using Cobalt-60 cannot induce any radioactivity in food and does not leave any harmful or toxic radioactive residues on foods as is the case with chemical fumigants.
• Due to the highly penetrating nature of the radiation energy, it is very effective method
• Pre-packaged foods can be treated for hygienization and improving shelf-life.
• The radiation processing facilities are environment friendly and are safe to workers and public around.

Major components of the plant are:

1. Irradiation cell with water pool: For housing the source and shielding
2. Product handling system: For moving the products around the source at predetermined speed and prescribed geometry
3. Hydraulic System for source movement and product handling system
4. Electrical systems: For motive power for product handling system, hydraulic system, cell exhaust system, water circulation system and supply for control panels
5. Control system: For various safety interlocks, annunciations, PLC and display
6. Demineralizer Plant: For maintaining the pool water quality within set limits for conductivity and P^H

Manpower requirements: The food irradiation facility shall have a certified radiological safety officer, certified operators and quality control officer recognized by the Competent Authority. The minimum qualifications required for these posts are given below.

Radiological Safety Officer: Person should be a science graduate with Physics as one of the subjects. He/She can also be a diploma holder in engineering with minimum five years experience in radiation surveillance supported by personnel monitoring badge (TLD) service in a radiation processing facility. He/She should have successfully undergone instructions specified for the training of a radiological safety officer (RSO). He/She should have also successfully undergone instructions for the training of a RSO Level III as specified by the AERB and should possess a valid certificate to that effect. The RSO shall instruct radiation workers in his charge on the hazards of radiation and on suitable safety measures and work practices aimed at minimizing radiation exposure to them. He/She is expected to investigate and initiate prompt and suitable safety measures in respect of any situation that could result in radiation hazards.

Operators: Because qualified operators usually have the closest association with the radiation processing plant, day to day responsibility for the safe operation is generally theirs. Each individual who operates or maintains plant shall have a responsibility to ensure that the laid down safety procedures are observed and should hold an appropriate certificate of competence and approved training which is recognized by the competent authority. The operator should be a science graduate or a diploma holder in mechanical or electrical engineering. Certification course for operators is conducted by RP & AD, BARC. 

Apart from above certified personnel, Facility-in-Charge, Quality Control Officer, maintenance staff, clerical staff, cosmetic helpers and product handlers are required.

Source: Presently all the gamma radiation processing plants are using Co-60 as source for gamma rays. As Co-60 is a radioactive material, its safety and security is of utmost importance. Security plan and security checklist must be prepared according to stipulated codes and standards issued by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). Approval from AERB is required at many stages such as PSAR approval, site clearance, design approval, construction approval, purchase of source, source installation and operation of the plant. Supply and installation of source and plant commissioning dosimetry is carried out by Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology. Security of source and plant premises is the responsibilityof the plant owner.

Regulatory Requirements: A radiation processing facility for food duly approved under the Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing of Food and Allied products) Rules, 2012, under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of 1962) has to apply to the local Food (Health) Authority for licence to carry out irradiation of food. The applicant shall furnish in the application a detailed information regarding location of the facility and its approval under Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing of Food and Allied products) Rules, 2012, under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of 1962). On receipt of such application the Licensing Authority shall, after inspecting the premises, grant the applicant a licence on payment of fees prescribed under the rules. The licensee shall abide by the provisions of the Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing of Food and Allied products) Rules, 2012, under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of 1962) and those under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (37 of 1954) and Prevention of Food Adulteration (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 1994.