scope:

This guide covers the minimum requirements for dosimetry needed to conduct research on the effect of radiation on food and agricultural products. Such research includes establishment of the quantitative relationship between absorbed dose and the relevant effects in these products. This guide also describes the overall need for dosimetry in such research, and in reporting of the results. Dosimetry must be considered as an integral part of the experiment.

NOTE 1-The Codex Alimentarius Commission has developed an international General Standard and a Code of Practice that address the application of ionizing radiation to the treatment of foods and that strongly emphasize the role of dosimetry for ensuring that irradiation will be properly performed (1).²

NOTE 2-This guide includes tutorial information in the form of Notes. Researchers should also refer to the references provided at the end of the standard, and other applicable scientific literature, to assist in the experimental methodology as applied to dosimetry (2-10).

This guide covers research conducted using the following types of ionizing radiation: gamma radiation, X-ray (bremsstrahlung), and electron beams.

This guide describes dosimetry requirements for establishing the experimental method and for routine experiments. It does not include dosimetry requirements for installation qualification or operational qualification of the irradiation facility. These subjects are treated in ISO/ASTM Practices 51204, 51431, 51608, 51649, and 51702.

This guide is not intended to limit the flexibility of the experimenter in the determination of the experimental methodology. The purpose of the guide is to ensure that the radiation source and experimental methodology are chosen such that the results of the experiment will be useful and understandable to other scientists and regulatory agencies.

The overall uncertainty in the absorbed-dose measurement and the inherent absorbed-dose variation within the irradiated sample should be taken into account (see ISO/ASTM Guide 51707).

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

² The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the bibliography at the end of this guide.