For a safer meal
with a view to improving food safety standards, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board ( aerb) will oversee irradiation of food material in the country, under the Atomic Energy (Control and Irradiation of Foods) Rules, 1996. The aerb will control the issuing of license for operating irradiation facilities. The new regulatory provisions have made any violation of the rules by the licensee punishable with prison terms, which could extend to five years or a fine or both, said aerb secretary, K S Parthasarthy. To facilitate the establishment of irradiation plants, the board has set up a multi-tier review procedure for issuing the certificate of approval. The applicants will have to furnish details about the location of the plant, water table, soil characteristics and seismicity, to get aerb approval.