Lui Yanqin from Tongweixinda, the research branch of an electron beam company formed by Tsinghua University and the NUCTECH company in China, spoke on the topic of ‘Soft Electrons for Safer Eggs’, a project carried out as part of an IAEA coordinated research activity for innovative applications of low-energy electron beams. Researchers in Japan and China developed the concept of using a soft curtain of electrons to enhance food safety and maintain egg quality for longer. Tongweixinda fitted an industrial egg conveyor with a prototype electron beam generator, which works by causing ionization in and on the eggshell only, eliminating microorganisms like salmonella while preserving the integrity of the egg white and yolk inside. This cold process avoids fumigation or chemicals, making it a game changer in ensuring both the safety of the eggs and improved breeding efficiency for poultry producers.

Another topic of discussion during the webinar included the monitoring of medications in farmed animals. Pinpointing the depletion or reasonably safe amount of a veterinary drug in an animal is key in establishing when the product can be safely consumed. As part of an IAEA coordinated research project, Muhammad Ismail Chughtai, Principal Scientist and Technical Manager at the Food Safety Labs of the National Institute for Agricultural Biology under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, reported on a research study about the depletion of amoxicillin (an antimicrobial) in poultry. Using radiolabelled amoxicillin, his team studied the drug’s depletion over time in different organs of poultry. Research such as this is critical for determining optimal slaughtering times and the use of antimicrobials.

In her presentation, Paloma Ellitson, General Manager of the Testing and Inspection Department at the Namibia Bureau of Standards, highlighted the importance of capacity building. She illustrated how an IAEA national technical cooperation project (NAM5021) aimed at strengthening Namibia’s food safety and testing capacity boosted the country’s ability to ensure market compliance and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for fishery and agronomic products. In turn, Namibia reduced outsourcing costs and improved testing turnaround times while ensuring safer food products for trade.

Markus Lipp, Senior Food Safety Officer at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), presented on strategies to build trust in food systems. Lipp emphasized that International Food Safety Day’s theme of ‘science in action’ hinges on data transparency in achieving food safety. Public trust in regulatory institutions throughout the farm to fork process also plays a major role in food safety for both consumer satisfaction and public confidence.

As Dongxin Feng, Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, also remarked during the webinar, science, technology and innovation are essential in addressing the major challenges in food and agriculture. The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre stands out as a unique example within the United Nations system as it leverages nuclear science and technology to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems. Its work contributes to making these systems more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable and helping ensure access to safer and more nutritious food for all.