Irradiation is used to reduce or eliminate food spoilage, arrest maturation or sprouting, treatment against pests. Irradiation also destroys, slows-down or rendered incapable of reproduction of some or all of the pathogenic organisms, micro-organism, bacteria and viruses.
The Atomic Energy (Control of Irradiation of Food) Rules, 1996 defines Irradiation Food as-
“Irradiated food” means articles of food subjected to radiation by:-
- Gamma rays.
- X-rays generated from machine sources operated at or below an energy level of 5 million electron volts.
- Sub-atomic particles, namely electrons generated from machine sources operated at or below an energy level of 10 million electron volts, to dose levels as specified in Schedule I.
Conditions precedent for the issue of a licence
No licence for operating an irradiation facility shall be granted, unless the applicant obtains a Certificate of Approval from the Competent Authority, after submitting documents as specified in Schedule III to the effect that the facility is in conformity with the general conditions for design, operation and efficiency criteria as specified in Schedule IV.
Application process
An application for a certificate of approval shall be made to the Competent Authority in Form III.
If the Competent Authority is satisfied that the applicant satisfies the requirements as specified in Schedule III and IV, it shall grant a certificate of approval in Form II.
If the Competent Authority is satisfied that the applicant does not satisfy the requirements as specified in Schedule III and IV, it may after giving the applicant a reasonable opportunity of being heard against the proposed refusal of the certificate of approval, by order, setting out the reasons therein refuse to grant the certificate of approval.
Every order refusing to grant the certificate of approval under sub-rule (3), shall be communicated to the applicant by sending a copy of the order by registered post to the address given in the application.
Registration Authority
Central Government or such Officer or Authority directed by the Central Government.
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