Food irradiation. Peaches on the left were not irradiated and are spoiling sooner than the irradiated peaches on the right. Food irradiation (the application of ionizing radiation to food) is a technology that reduces or eliminates microorganisms and insects in food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved irradiation of meat and poultry, fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices. The FDA determined that the process is safe and effective in decreasing the presence of and/or eliminating harmful bacteria.