Irradiation of persimmons (Application A1038)
(Last updated August 2011)
Irradiation of persimmons (Application A1038)
FSANZ has approved an Application from Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries to permit the irradiation of persimmons as a phytosanitary measure¹. Irradiation would provide persimmon growers with an effective treatment for fruit fly for quarantine purposes.
Has FSANZ checked the safety of irradiated persimmons?
Yes. FSANZ’s rigorous assessment indicates that there are no safety concerns. Irradiation of persimmons up to a maximum dose of 1 kGy (kilogray) employing proper irradiation practices is considered safe for Australian and New Zealand consumers.
Does irradiation diminish the nutritional value of persimmons?
Irradiation can cause changes to both macro and micronutrients in foods, depending on the irradiation dose. Research indicates, however, that carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, minerals and trace elements in persimmons undergo very minimal alteration during irradiation.
FSANZ’s analysis of the nutritional changes induced by irradiation and the dietary intake of nutrients, indicates the irradiation of persimmons would have an insignificant nutritional impact on the diets of Australians and New Zealanders.
Is there a demonstrated technological need to irradiate persimmons?
Yes. Irradiation of persimmons would provide an alternative to current disinfestation methods for pests of quarantine significance to either Australia or New Zealand.
How will consumers know if persimmons have been irradiated?
Australia and New Zealand require the labelling of any whole food that has been approved to be irradiated, or food that contains an approved irradiated ingredient, however small the percentage of that ingredient. Consumers can use this information to make informed choices about the product they buy.
[1] A phytosanitary measure is any legislation, regulation or official procedure having the purpose to prevent the introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests, or to limit the economic impact of regulated non-quarantine pests.