Is irradiated food sterile?
Although irradiation at the doses approved by the FDA does not sterilize food, it protects food from spoilage or potentially harmful bacteria in the same way milk is protected through pasteurization. Food irradiated for astronauts is sterile, but food for consumers is given a lower pasteurization treatment. Like milk, irradiated food can spoil over time or foster growth of bacteria if it has been handled or prepared improperly. As with any food product, foodservice workers and consumers must follow safe handling and preparation guidelines to ensure food safety. These safe food handling measures include washing hands and cleaning preparation surfaces often, separating foods to avoid cross contamination, cooking foods thoroughly, and refrigerating and storing foods properly.
