4.1 The purpose of radiation treatment, as discussed in this guide, is to minimize the pest risk and to maximize the safety associated with the movement and use of fresh agricultural produce.

4.2 Irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment can prevent development or emergence of the adult stage where adults are not present in the agricultural produce (for example, fruit flies) or sterilize the adult where that stage is present (for example, weevils). (4)

1.1 This guide provides procedures for the radiation processing of fresh agricultural produce, for example, fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers, as a phytosanitary treatment. This guide is directed primarily toward the treatment needed to control regulated pests commonly associated with fresh agricultural produce.

1.2 This guide covers gamma, electron beam and X-radiation treatment.

1.3 The typical absorbed dose range used for phytosanitary treatments is between 60 gray (Gy) and 600 gray (Gy). The practical minimum or maximum dose of a treatment may be higher or lower than this range, depending on the type of pest to be controlled and the radiation tolerance of a particular type of produce. If the minimum effective dose necessary to achieve the desired phytosanitary effect is greater than the radiation tolerance of the produce, then irradiation is not an appropriate treatment (see 5.2).

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This document is one of a set of standards that provides recommendations for properly implementing and utilizing radiation processing. It is intended to be read in conjunction with ISO/ASTM Practice 52628.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.