This International Standard specifies requirements for the development, validation and routine control of the process of irradiation using ionizing radiation for the treatment of food, and establishes guidelines for meeting the requirements. NOTE 1 Requirements in this International Standard are consistent with those developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC/RCP 19-1979, Rev. 2-2003[21], and Codex Stan 106-1983, Rev. 1-2003[22]). This International Standard covers irradiation processes using the radionuclides 60Co or 137Cs, electron beams or X-ray generators. The requirements given in this International Standard are the minimum necessary to control the food irradiation process. NOTE 2 The requirements can be addressed by a food safety management system (see ISO 22000). This International Standard does not specify requirements for the primary production and/or harvesting, post-harvest treatment, storage and shipment, and packaging for foods that are to be irradiated. Only those aspects of the food production directly related to the irradiation process that may affect the safety or quality of the irradiated food are addressed. This International Standard does not specify requirements for occupational safety associated with the design and operation of irradiation facilities. This International Standard does not cover measuring or inspection devices that utilize ionizing radiation. The application of this International Standard does not exempt the user from compliance with current and applicable legislation. IMPORTANT Attention is drawn to regulatory and legal requirements that possibly exist for the irradiation and sale of irradiated food and the requirement for authorization to irradiate food.