1.1 This practice outlines the installation qualification program for an irradiator and the dosimetric procedures to be followed during operational qualification, performance qualification and routine processing in facilities that process food with high-energy electrons and X-rays (bremsstrahlung) to ensure that product has been treated within a predetermined range of absorbed dose. Other procedures related to operational qualification, performance qualification and routine processing that may influence absorbed dose in the product are also discussed. Information about effective or regulatory dose limits for food products, and appropriate energy limits for electron beams used directly or to generate X-rays is not within the scope of this practice (see ASTM Guides F 1355 rid="a00026">, F 1356 rid="a00027">, F 1736 rid="a00028">, and F 1885 rid="a00029">). Note 1— Dosimetry is only one component of a total quality assurance program for adherence to good manufacturing practices used in the production of safe and wholesome food. Note 2— ISO/ASTM Practice 51204 rid="a00006"> describes dosimetric procedures for gamma irradiation facilities for food processing. 1.2 For guidance in the selection and calibration of dosimetry systems, and interpretation of measured absorbed dose in the product, see ISO/ASTM Guide 51261 rid="a00007"> and ASTM Practice E 666 rid="a00004">. For the use of specific dosimetry systems, see ASTM Practices E 1026 rid="a00023"> and E 2304 rid="a00025">, and ISO/ASTM Practices 51205, 51275, 51276, 51310, 51401, 51538, 51540, 51607, 51650 and 51956. rid="a00030"> rid="a00008"> rid="a00009"> rid="a00010"> rid="a00031"> rid="a00032"> rid="a00034"> rid="a00035"> rid="a00015"> rid="a00037"> For discussion of radiation dosimetry for electrons and X-rays also see ICRU Reports 35 and 14. For discussion of radiation dosimetry for pulsed radiation, see ICRU Report 34. 1.3 While gamma radiation from radioactive nuclides has discrete energies, X-rays (bremsstrahlung) from machine sources cover a wide range of energies, from low values (about 35 keV) to the energy of the incident electron beam. For information concerning electron beam irradiation technology and dosimetry, see ISO/ASTM Practice 51649 rid="a00014">. For information concerning X-ray irradiation technology and dosimetry, see ISO/ASTM Practice 51608 rid="a00012">. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use