Food Irradiation

• 01 Jun 2024

Source: BS

Why in News?

The government of India plans to use radiation processing (Food Irradiation) to extend the shelf life of a 100,000 tonne onion buffer stock this year, aiming to prevent shortages and price hikes.

• India, a major onion exporter, is facing a 16% decline in onion output for the 2023-24 season, bringing production down to an estimated 25.47 million tonnes.

Note

In India, irradiated food is regulated in accordance with the Atomic Energy (Control of Irradiation of Food) Rules, 1996.

What is Food Irradiation?

• About:
  • Food irradiation is the process of exposing food and food products to ionising radiation, such as gamma rays, electron beams, or X-rays.
  • It is used in food processing to help ensure food safety.
• Need:
  • Seasonal overstocking and long transport times lead to food waste.
  • India's hot, humid climate is a breeding ground for spoilage-causing insects and microbes.
  • Post-harvest losses in India amount to about 40-50% in food and food grains, mostly caused by insect infestation, microbiological contamination, sprouting, ripening, and poor shelf life.
  • Seafood, meat, and poultry can harbour harmful bacteria and parasites that make people sick.
• Applications:
  • It prevents spoilage, kills germs, stops pests (eliminates bugs in stored food), delays sprouting, etc.

Onion Production in India

• India is the second-largest (after China) onion-growing country in the world, famous for its pungent onions available year-round.
• Major Onion Producing States: 
  • Maharashtra, Karnataka, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are the major onion-producing states.
  • Maharashtra ranks first in Onion production with a share of 42.53% followed by Madhya Pradesh with a share of 15.16% in 2021-22 (3rd Advance Estimate).
• Export Destination: Major export destinations of Indian onion include Bangladesh, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims:

Q. With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: (2018) 

1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains
2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card. 
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 3 only 

Ans: (b)