CAC News

Phnom Penh — The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) was invited to participate in the National Forum on eBeam and X-ray Technologies for a Smarter Future 2025: New Frontiers in Business and Investment, held on December 16 in Phnom Penh. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) in collaboration with the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI).

The forum brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, and private sector representatives to explore the growing importance of eBeam and X-ray technologies in supporting innovation, safety, and economic growth across multiple sectors. As global demand for safer and higher-quality products increases, these advanced irradiation technologies are gaining traction in healthcare, agriculture, food processing, and material science.

Experts at the forum highlighted that eBeam and X-ray technologies play a vital role in enhancing safety and quality standards. In healthcare, they are used to sterilize medical devices, significantly reducing the risk of infection. In agriculture, the technologies help control pests and diseases, improving crop yields and product quality. In the food processing sector, eBeam and X-ray applications extend shelf life and enhance food safety by eliminating harmful pathogens, while in material science they improve material properties and enable the development of advanced products. Collectively, these technologies contribute to public health, food security, and sustainable technological advancement.

The forum also underscored the economic benefits of multipurpose eBeam and X-ray facilities. By enhancing product safety, reducing recalls, and extending the shelf life of perishable goods, these technologies help minimize waste and improve profitability for producers and retailers. They also support access to premium international markets by meeting stringent safety standards, reduce pesticide use in agriculture, and create employment opportunities while fostering innovation in material science and product development.

Despite their proven benefits, public perception of food irradiation remains mixed, largely due to misinformation and safety concerns. Speakers noted that many consumers mistakenly believe irradiated food is harmful or radioactive, despite strong scientific evidence confirming its safety. The forum emphasized the importance of public education, transparent labeling, and trust in regulatory bodies to improve acceptance, while highlighting benefits such as reduced foodborne illnesses and longer shelf life.

Recognizing the significance of these technologies, the forum was organized in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Regional Cooperative Agreement Regional Office (RCARO), and Texas A&M University. The event aimed to raise public awareness of the benefits, safety, and applications of multipurpose eBeam and X-ray technologies, dispel myths—particularly surrounding food irradiation—and demonstrate the rigorous safety and regulatory standards governing their use.

Key objectives of the forum included educating Cambodian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the applications and potential of eBeam and X-ray systems, promoting the responsible and informed utilization of these technologies for societal well-being, and demonstrating how irradiation technologies can facilitate access to high-value international markets. The event also aimed to foster collaboration between public institutions and the private sector to accelerate the adoption of these technologies as solutions for enhancing product quality and safety.

Silot Uon, president of CAC, noted that the forum was particularly relevant to the CAC's work, as it engages closely with both farmers and processors. With 42 out of 53 cashew processors nationwide being CAC members, the CAC emphasized that the insights gained from the forum are especially beneficial for processors seeking to enhance product quality, safety, and competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.