In February 2021, the IAEA gathered experts from Australia, China, Europe, Mexico, and the USA to develop a new IAEA research proposal for a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on Irradiation Technology for Phytosanitary Treatment of Food Commodities and Promotion of Trade. Since the adoption of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Guidelines for the Use of Irradiation as a Phytosanitary Measure (ISPM 18 – currently under revision), a great deal of commercial experience has been gained to confirm the efficacy and utility of ionizing radiation. Research coordinated by the Joint FAO/IAEA program over a series of four coordinated research projects (CRPs) spanning from 1986 to 2015 has contributed to the 16 phytosanitary irradiation doses for irradiation treatments currently in the annexes of the ISPM 28.The overall objective of the new CRP will be to validate the radiation doses proposed for at least five generic phytosanitary irradiation treatments using large numbers of regulated pests. Factors that might affect treatment efficacy will also be investigated. The specific research activities will focus on finding examples of the most radio-tolerant species in several pest groups important for trade and conducting tests with large numbers of individuals of these species to confirm efficacious irradiation doses.

Although several generic doses for large groups of pests were developed they have not yet been adopted as there is a need for further research to fully validate these generic doses and supplement proposals to support their acceptance by the IPPC.

More information on this project and how to participate in the Research section of the Members area.