What is one of the benefits of food irradiation?

Food irradiation is a process that uses ionizing radiation to kill bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms that can cause food spoilage and foodborne diseases. By effectively destroying these spoilage microbes, irradiation helps extend the shelf life of food products, maintain food safety, and reduce the risk associated with foodborne illnesses. This benefit is particularly significant in the context of preserving fresh produce and meat, thereby ensuring a safer food supply for consumers.

While other options may relate to aspects of food processing, such as cost reduction or flavor enhancement, they do not accurately represent the primary function of food irradiation in food safety and preservation. The core reason this technique is employed is its effectiveness in microbial reduction, which ultimately supports public health objectives.