Use of irradiation on foods requires the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) must approve use for meats and poultry. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service approves use of irradiation for plant quarantine protection.

A food irradiation facility is licensed as a food processing establishment and is regulated by the government agency responsible for the regulation of irradiation application and installation. The facility, which must be approved by governmental authorities before construction, is subject to regular inspections, audits and other reviews to ensure that it is safely and properly operated.