CONSTRUCTION OF CENTERS UNDER THE ATOMS FOR FOOD EQUIPMENT PROGRAMME TO ENSURE THE PRESERVATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS IN NATIONAL FOOD STOCKS

Right now, the world produces enough food to nourish every child, woman and man on the planet. But nearly a fifth of all food produced each year is lost before it can be consumed – World Food Programme, 2024.

CHALLENGE

The world produces enough food to feed all 8.2 billion people, yet 733 million people starve every day – World Health Organization, 2024.

The situation is caused by many reasons, including logistic issues, food spoilage, lack of technology for treating food products with ionizing radiation to increase their shelf life, as well as the lack of food stocks with extended shelf life food.


FAO, Voluntary Guidelines: "States should take appropriate emergency preparedness measures, such as keeping food stocks for the acquisition of food, and take steps to put in place adequate systems for distribution".

Global food security situation

  • According to FAO, world population is expected to grow by over a third (or 2.3 billion people) by 2050, therefore more than 10 billion people will need to be provided with food.
  • At the same time, approximately 14 percent of the world's food, valued at $400 billion is lost on an annual basis. This food could feed 1.26 billion hungry people every year. FAO (2022, September 29)

Causes of world hunger

World's population increase
Pandemic
Lack of food stocks of
long-term storage
Climate-related disasters
Drinking water contamination
Food losses
Large-scale migration
Natural disasters

FAO and IAEA have developed a joint Atoms4Food Initiative to help address food insecurity in countries unable to produce and buy enough food

Treatment of food products with ionizing radiation to increase shelf life
  • IAEA/FAO Atoms4Food Initiative goal
    Strengthening global food security
  • Atoms4Food Initiative objectives
    • Help eliminate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition
    • Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable
    • Reduce rural poverty
    • Enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems
    • Increase the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises
SOLUTION

Beamcomplex launched Atoms for Food Equipment programme to manufacture radiation equipment for food stocks within the framework of food security programmes in order to treat products with ionizing radiation to destroy pathogens, insects and their larvae and maximize the shelf life of processed food thus maximizing the shelf life of processed food.


Beamcomplex builds centers under the Atoms for Food Equipment programme to ensure the preservation of food products in national food stocks.


Beamcomplex also manufactures multifunctional container-type complexes with electron accelerators and other special equipment for processing food products with ionizing radiation.

Electron accelerator
One side outlet to treat products on conveyor
Two-side outlet to treat bags on conveyor and big bags on pallets
Processed food loading into truck
Learn more about equipment
  • Objective of our Atoms for Food Equipment Programme
    Manufacturing food irradiation equipment and construction of food processing centers to supply extended shelf life food to national food stocks

BENEFITS OF HAVING NATIONAL FOOD STOCKS WITH LONG SHELF LIFE FOOD PRODUCTS FOR COUNTRIES

Total independence of a country in case of disruption of food supply chains during emergencies (pandemic, military conflicts, natural and man-made disasters).

Reduction of food losses and waste due to extension of food shelf life with the help of ionizing radiation tehcnology.

Increase in replenishment periods and reduction of budget expenses due to the supply of extended shelf life food to national food stocks.
Reduction of intestinal diseases in the population of a country.
Prevention of social upheavals, support of sustainable economic development and food security enhancement.
Achievement of Zero Hunger goal.

ATOMS4FOOD INITIATIVE AREAS OUR EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR

National Food Stocks
Pre-Sowing Seed Treatment
SIT (Sterile Insect Technique)

SHELF LIFE OF PRODUCTS TREATED WITH IONIZING RADIATION

The shelf life of processed products depends on the following factors:

1) The level of contamination of food products with pathogens, insects and their larvae before the process of ionizing radiation treatment.

2) The characteristics of the packaging material (materials with an oxygen barrier provide the longest shelf life).

3) The level of sterility of the storage facilities in which the products will be stored after their radiation treatment.

4) Temperature conditions and humidity in the storage facilities.

ATOMS FOR FOOD EQUIPMENT – HALAL
Ionizing radiation technology for Halal food products

With the Muslim population estimated at 1.9 billion people globally, the demand for halal-certified products is massive. Halal Certification stands out as a critical standard that governs the production and distribution of foods for millions of Muslims worldwide.
Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have strict import regulations requiring Halal Certification for food products, ensuring that the goods comply with religious guidelines. For companies wanting to export to these countries, obtaining Halal Certification is non-negotiable. – Halal Food Council USA.

At the same time, countries with strict Halal control experience such food challenges as food losses, food contaminaiton with insects and pests and others. In this regard Islamic organizations (e.g. Social Sciences University of Ankara Institute of Islamic Studies) suggest reducing food waste by adopting environmentally friendly strategies. Ionizing radiation technology has proved its sustainability (as only grid electricity is used) and has been applied to secure food safety without introducing Haram substances in many countries practising Halal. Please refer to regulatory documents below.

Pakistan
Treatment of Food by Ionizing Radiation Regulations, 1996
Malaysia
Food Irradiation Regulations, 2011
Indonesia
Law on Food No. 18, 2012

IOFS MISSION

The mission of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) is deeply rooted in the commitment to guaranteeing sustainable food security across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States. This pivotal mission is achieved through a multifaceted approach encompassing socio-economic development and the systematic promotion of targeted programs in key areas such as agriculture, science and technology, humanitarian aid, and food trade. IOFS stands as a beacon for collaboration, working tirelessly within the OIC Member States to create a robust framework that not only addresses immediate food security concerns but also cultivates long-term resilience and prosperity through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships.

RELATED RESOURCES

FAO & IAEA Atoms4Food Initiative

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One Country

One Priority Product

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Hand‐in‐Hand Initiative

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Sustainable Public Food Procurement Programme

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