Global Food Irradiation Market is Projected to Exhibit a 5.7% CAGR over the Forecast Period

The Global Food Irradiation Market will reach USD 286.2 Million by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. Food irradiation extends the shelf life of foods by exposing them to radiation. Irradiation approved under conditions of Good Manufacturing Practice is an effective and commonly applicable food processing technique, mediated to be safe as per the extensive available evidence.

It can lessen the risk of food poisoning to extend the shelf life of foods without harming health. It controls food spoilage with minimal effect on sensory or nutritional quality. Consumer acceptance of irradiated foods in the U.S. has surged due to growing public awareness about the risks from bacteria in meat (and other food products). Educational media coverage on food irradiation, along with the fear of bioterrorism on centralized food production, will benefit the market in the future.

The FDA has evaluated the safety of irradiated food for almost 30 years and has found the method to be safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have also recognized the safety of irradiated food.

However, some consumer groups have expressed the concern that irradiation could mask the poor food handling and sanitation practices, which could lead to needless contamination. In contrast, some consumer establishments have supported food irradiation for eradicating bacteria from treated meat and poultry.

As almost all cultures have dishes set with raw or moderately cooked meat, the usage of irradiation can make significant public health contribution by ensuring food safety. In developing countries, the technology will be valuable in expanding food supplies and in decreasing wastage. For instance, mobile irradiators can be used to prevent onions and potatoes from sprouting and treating bulk foods at ports.

Combinations of irradiation treatments with other preservation techniques are likely to be more commonly applied commercially in the coming years (Lacroix and Follet 2015). Combinations of technologies offer the potential benefits of reducing the energy or dose requirements and at the same time, destroy bacteria and other organisms that cause spoilage, thereby enhancing the final product quality.

Synergistic effects of blends of refrigeration, modified atmosphere packaging, freezing with irradiation technique, and heating will offer potential growth opportunities for the market. The application of natural antimicrobials and edible coatings, in combination with irradiation, will propel market growth in the coming years.

Food Irradiation Market, by Source of Radiation

Based on the source of radiation, the global market segmentation includes Gamma, X-Ray, and Electron Beam. Cobalt 60, a Gamma Facility, is the most common-source of ionizing energy. Packaged food products are exposed to the rack containing source pencils. The energy in the form of gamma rays (or photons) goes through the encapsulation and processes the food. The gamma segment will register faster growth than the other segments due to the increasing demand for packaged food.

Food Irradiation Market, by Food Type

Based on Technology, the global market segmentation includes Ozone Treatment, Ultra-High Pressure, Food Coating, Steam Pasteurization, and Others. Among food types, the meat & poultry segment has received the highest demand for food irradiation, as this food type is more vulnerable to spoilage and disease-causing bacteria. According to a report by Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), farmers raise approximately 50 billion chickens as a source of food annually, which will propel the food irradiation market.

Food Irradiation Market, by Region

North America and Western Europe are important regions for the food irradiation market due to the high food quality standards established by government bodies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and others, and the easy availability of advanced technologies. Food irradiation is gradually attaining consumer acceptance in the US and numerous other countries. However, it’s growth is somewhat sluggish in several parts of Europe, including the UK, where the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends no extension of the application. Many consumers have initially exhibited their mistrust and reservations towards irradiation. However, with rising awareness, they are coming in favor of irradiation.

The food irradiation market is witnessing moderate growth in the Asia Pacific region due to the negative perception of consumers towards irradiated foods, as consumers in the Asia Pacific region consider such food as radioactive and mutated. However, there has been increasing awareness and approval of food irradiation by governments of various countries. For instance, in India, the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and Atomic Energy Rules 2012 govern food irradiation, and India has cleared several food substances under the Atomic Energy Rules 2012 for safeguarding through irradiation.

Key Food Irradiation Market Developments

• In March 2014, Sterigenics International acquired the Food Technology Service Inc. to increase its global service capabilities. FTSI now functions as a subordinate of Sterigenics International. Sterigenics acquired a Canadian-based Establishment, Nordion, to increase its influence and capabilities for USD 727 Million in May 2014.
• The Food Directorate within the Health Products and Food Division of Health Canada examine the irradiated foods in Canada under the Food and Drugs Act. It is responsible for setting quality requirements for foods sold in Canada. It has approved the irradiation of vegetables such as potatoes, wheat, onions, flour, whole wheat flour, and whole and ground spices.

Some Key Findings of the Global Food Irradiation Market Report Include:

• The study includes global Food Irradiation Market analysis, trends, and forecasts, along with a country-specific analysis.
• An in-depth analysis of the global Food Irradiation Market includes analysis by Source of radiation, technology, by food type, and by Regions, along with the analysis of trend-based insights and factors.
• Product offering details, competitive benchmarking, and development approaches adopted by the industry players, along with their investments in the last five years in the global Food Irradiation Market.
• The market research includes a study of the provinces, limitations, drivers, prospects, guidelines, challenges, and procedures that are propelling the global Food Irradiation Market.
• Some major industry players functional in the global Food Irradiation Market include Food Technology Service Inc., Gray Star Inc., Sterigenics International Inc., Scantech Sciences Inc., Phytosan S.A., Sadex Corporation, Tecleor LLC, Ionisos SA., and Steris Isomedix Services.

Market Segmentation:

By Source of Radiation:

• Gamma
• X-ray
• Electron Beam

By Technology:

• Ozone Treatment
• Ultra-High Pressure
• Food Coating
• Steam Pasteurization
• Others

By Food Type:

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Grain Foods
• Spices
• Meat & Poultry
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• Rest of the world