(T/F) Ionizing radiation, surface pasteurization, electronic pasteurization, e-beam sterilization/pasteurization, and cold pasteurization are all synonyms for food irradiation.

• A. False
• B. Not true
• C. True
• D. Not specified

Answer: (C)

Food irradiation uses ionizing radiation to inactivate microorganisms and extend shelf life. Ionizing radiation is the energy source behind irradiation, and when applied to foods it's referred to as irradiation. The methods differ in how the energy is delivered: gamma rays, electron beams (e-beam), or X-rays are all ways to deliver that irradiation. Electronic pasteurization or e-beam pasteurization specifically use an electron beam to achieve microbial reduction, and the term e-beam sterilization/pasteurization describes the same approach with that beam, though for foods the goal is typically pasteurization rather than complete sterilization. Cold pasteurization highlights that the process occurs without applying heat. Surface pasteurization refers to irradiating the food’s surface to reduce surface microbes. Taken together, these terms all describe irradiation-based treatments used to reduce pathogens in foods, so they’re considered synonymous in common usage.