World Market Development and Consumer Acceptance of Irradiation Technology

Behnoush Maherani (1) , Farah Hossain (1) , Paula Criado (1) , Yosra Ben-Fadhel (1) , Stephane Salmieri (1) , Monique Lacroix (1)

1 INRS-IAF - Institut Armand Frappier

Food irradiation is an efficient technology that can be used to ensure food safety by eliminating insects and pathogens to prolong the shelf life. The process could be applied to fresh or frozen products without affecting the nutritional value. Presently more than 60 countries have adopted the technology. However, the technology adaptation differs from one country to another and, in some cases, consumers' misunderstanding and lack of acceptance may hinder the technology adaptation process. This review summarizes the development of irradiation treatment worldwide and consumer attitudes towards the introduction of this technology. Also, the wholesomeness, beneficial effects, and regulation of irradiation are assessed.

Keywords: global perception; consumer response; food quality; bacterial radiosensitivity; consumer acceptance; consumer communication; irradiated foods; nutritional value

Domains: Life Sciences [q-bio]; Food and Nutrition

Behnoush Maherani, Farah Hossain, Paula Criado, Yosra Ben-Fadhel, Stephane Salmieri, et al.. World Market Development and Consumer Acceptance of Irradiation Technology. Foods, 2016, Special issue Food Irradiation, 5 (4), pp.79. ⟨10.3390/foods5040079⟩. ⟨pasteur-01534518⟩