Final answer:
Irradiation, also known as Cold pasteurization, is a method of sterilizing food by exposure to ionizing radiation, effectively destroying microbes without making the food radioactive.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another term for irradiation is Cold pasteurization. Irradiation, specifically ionizing radiation, is a method used to sterilize and preserve food by exposing it to a source of ionizing radiation such as cobalt-60 or cesium-137. This process is effective at destroying insects, bacteria, and other microbes by creating free radicals and radiolytic products that can break apart their cell membranes. Food irradiation is able to penetrate packaging and surfaces, ensuring that the food inside is sterilized without the food coming into direct contact with the radiation source. Moreover, irradiated food does not become radioactive and does not significantly alter its nutritional quality, making it a safe method for food preservation.