Significance and Use

The purpose of radiation treatment, as discussed in this guide, is to minimize the pest risk and to maximize the safety associated with the movement and use of fresh agricultural produce.

Irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment can prevent development or emergence of the adult stage where adults are not present in the agricultural produce (for example, fruit flies) or sterilize the adult where that stage is present (for example, weevils). (4)

1. Scope

1.1 This guide provides procedures for the radiation processing of fresh agricultural produce, for example, fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers, as a phytosanitary treatment. This guide is directed primarily toward the treatment needed to control regulated pests commonly associated with fresh agricultural produce.

1.2 The typical absorbed dose range used for phytosanitary treatments is between 150 gray (Gy) and 600 gray (Gy). The practical minimum or maximum dose of a treatment may be higher or lower than this range, depending on the type of pest to be controlled and the radiation tolerance of a particular type of fruit. If the minimum effective dose necessary to achieve the desired phytosanitary effect is greater than the radiation tolerance of the produce, then irradiation is not an appropriate treatment (see ).

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and Dosimetry

F1640 Guide for Selection and Use of Packaging Materials for Foods to Be Irradiated

Codex Alimentarius Commission Recommended International Codes of Practice and Standards

ISO Standards

Keywords

agricultural produce; arthropod pest; food; fruit; insect; insect control; irradiation; labeling; packaging; phytosanitary treatment; processing; quarantine;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 65.020.20 (Plant growing)

DOI: 10.1520/F1355-06

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM F1355