ionizing
Bacterial contamination in our food often makes the news. There are many bacteria present on raw food, especially raw meat. Campylobacter pictured above , salmonella, and other microorganisms can be found, even after cooking if the meat has not been sufficiently exposed to the heat. Ionizing radiation can be used to disrupt the DNA-RNA-protein synthesis cycle that allows the bacteria to reproduce. Cobalt-60 is a common radiation source, as is cesium-137. But, just to be safe, order that burger well-done.