Food irradiation has been approved in 41 countries for more than 30 products. Independent scientific committees in Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Canada and the World Health Organization have endorsed food irradiation.

There are more than 150 irradiation facilities in over 40 countries. An estimated 55 facilities worldwide use food irradiation and related food irradiation research, according to a 1989 Library of Congress Report.

Many countries sell irradiated spices, onions and potatoes. Irradiated shrimp and frog legs and other products are sold in the Netherlands; irradiated fruit, chicken, cheese and other products are sold in France; and other countries offer products from sausage to tea. In South Africa shelf stable irradiated meals are sold to sports and recreation enthusiasts.

Below is a map and list of the countries that either use irradiation for commercial use or have approved food irradiation.

Black Flag: Countries with Commercial Irradiation of Food

Asia

• Bangladesh 
• China 
• India 
• Indonesia 
• Iran 
• Japan 
• Korea 
• Thailand 

Africa 

• Algeria 
• South Africa 

South America 

• Argentina 
• Brazil 
• Chile 
• Peru 

Europe 

• Belgium 
• Croatia 
• Czech Republic 
• Denmark 
• Finland 
• France 
• Germany 
• Hungary 
• Israel 
• Netherlands 
• Norway 
• Poland 
• Ukraine 
• United Kingdom 
• Yugoslavia

North America 

• Canada 
• Cuba 
• Mexico 
• United States

Yellow Flag: Countries with Approval of Food Irradiation

Asia 

• Pakistan 
• Phillippines 
• Russian Federation 
• Syria 

Europe 

• Italy 
• Spain 

South America 

• Costa Rica 
• Uruguay