FOOD IRRADIATION AND VITAMIN-A-DEFICIENCY - PUBLIC-HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Food irradiation is promoted as a technique which enhances food security and contributes to the prevention of food-related diseases. It may be argued that irradiation may increase the availability of food sources of vitamin A and so support efforts to control and prevent vitamin A deficiency. Yet little is known about the vitamin A content of irradiated foods. This review finds that few relevant analytical studies have been undertaken and many of the available studies are marred by methodological shortcomings. More research is needed on the effects of commercial-scale irradiation on major food sources of vitamin A. There are also difficulties in identifying irradiated foods, monitoring their consumption and undertaking nutritional surveillance. Improved knowledge in these areas should be a precondition for the approval of widespread irradiation, particularly in countries with vitamin A deficiency.