Abstract: This paper briefly introduces the situation and the history of food irradiation in China. There are thousands of people and 200 odd units in 28 provinces of China since 1958 involved in food irradiation processing, hygiene and other fields concerned. At present, more than 200 foods have been tested by irradiation. The hygienic standards of seven irradiated foods have been formulated and approved. Thecommercializa- tion tests on several irradiated foods have been carried out. The problems about food irradiation in China are reviewed. And the advantages and prospect of developping food irradiation in China have been analysed. Finaly, a proposal to promote and commercialize food irradiation is offered.