Question:

The FAO/IAEA/WHO Joint Expert Committee on wholesomeness of irradiated food permitted an overall average radiation dose…….. in food commodities.

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10 kGy is the "Magic Number" in irradiation safety. Below this, the food is considered perfectly safe for general consumption without special toxicological concerns.
  • 10 Gy
  • 1 kGy
  • 1 Gy
  • 10 kGy
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question refers to the international safety standard established for food irradiation.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


The Recommendation: In 1980, a joint committee from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), and WHO (World Health Organization) reviewed extensive data on food irradiation.

Safety Limit: They concluded that the irradiation of any food commodity up to an overall average dose of 10 kGy (10,000 Gray) presents no toxicological hazard and requires no further testing.

Purpose: This limit allows for "Radurization" (extending shelf life) and "Radicidation" (killing non-spore pathogens like Salmonella), but is generally below the dose needed for full commercial sterilization of low-acid foods (Radappertization).

Modern View: Since then, many countries (including the US and India) have approved higher doses for specific applications (like spices or NASA space food), but the "10 kGy" rule remains the foundational international benchmark for "wholesomeness."

Step 3: Final Answer:
The internationally recognized safety limit for food irradiation is an average dose of 10 kGy.
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