The paper, there is presented the current state of knowledge regarding the ionising radiation applied to preserve food, advantages and limitations of this method, food products allowed of being irradiated, recommended dose levels, food irradiation facilities, and legalizing this method in Poland, European Union, and in other countries. While discussing the historical point of view, it was accentuated what part the international organizations WHO, IAEA, and FAO played in developing this technology, conducting investigations, educating consumers, and in indispensably legalizing food irradiation technique for the purpose of implementing it in industrial applications.