Food irradiation, also known as food preservation, is the process of exposing food items to ionizing radiation. This technique is commonly used to extend the shelf life of perishable food products by eliminating harmful microorganisms and pathogens. Some commonly used synonyms for food irradiation include "cold pasteurization," "radiation processing," and "gamma ray treatment." Cold pasteurization is a technique to kill off bacteria and other organisms without the use of heat, typically through irradiation. Radiation processing involves the use of ionizing radiation to alter the properties of food. Gamma ray treatment, on the other hand, is the use of high-energy gamma rays to kill off bacteria in food. These synonyms all refer to the same process of using radiation to preserve and extend the shelf life of food products.