Taking advantage of food irradiation
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s St-Hyacinthe Research and Development Centre (RDC) has owned a Cobalt-60 irradiation apparatus since 1986.
The irradiator is inspected frequently by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. It is safe for the population and the environment.
The RDC is licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The safety standards required by the commission are met at all times.
Share your questions with us about our use of the irradiator. Complete the questionnaire to give us your feedback.
Did you know?
This irradiator can be used by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s research teams or by food processing companies, among others, to sterilize products, while preserving the structural and nutritional integrity of food.
Irradiation is the treatment of food with a type of energy called ionizing radiation. The radiation emitted by the irradiator is confined within the device. There is therefore no emission of radioactive material.
Food irradiation can be used to eradicate microorganisms, control the proliferation of insects or slow the ripening of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The RADURA symbol identifies foods that have been irradiated. It is usually presented in green and is used internationally.
Complete the questionnaire
Your feedback is important.
We want to know your questions and comments about our use of the irradiator. To share your feedback with us, we invite you to complete the questionnaire.
How to get more information
For more information on the RDC’s irradiator and the Industrial Program, please email the Pilot Plant Manager: aafc.programmeindustriel-industrialprogram.aac@agr.gc.ca.