Who regulates irradiation facilities?
Facility regulation depends on the type of radiation source used. Facilities can treat food either with radiation from radioactive sources, such as cobalt-60 or cesium-137, or electrically generated x-ray or electron beams. Facilities that use radioactive sources must meet the following U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing requirements: • a design that incorporates multiple fail-safe measures • extensive and well documented safety procedures • extensive worker training. X-ray and electron beam facilities are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and by state agencies that regulate other medical, dental, and industrial devices. The safe transport of the radioactive sources or materials is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
