Food irradiation is a food processing technology that exposes certain types of food to a source of ionising energy, which can be in the form of Cobalt 60 sourced gamma rays, machine generated X-rays, or an electrically generated electron beam.

Food is irradiated to destroy microorganisms that cause food decomposition and food poisoning. Generally, irradiated foods go through a strict safety assessment and approval, and are labelled as having been treated by irradiation.

Irradiated food doesn't become radioactive; when the treatment stops, energy does not remain in the food. Also, the food does not come into contact with the energy source, so it cannot become contaminated by radioactive material. Hence, food irradiation does not lead to cancer.