Why must food be in an air tight packet before irradiation?

Food must be in an airtight packet before irradiation to prevent contamination and maintain its quality. Airtight packaging protects the food from exposure to oxygen and moisture, which can lead to spoilage and degradation of flavor and texture. Additionally, it ensures that the irradiation process effectively targets microorganisms and pests without allowing them to re-contaminate the food post-treatment. This packaging also helps preserve the nutritional value of the food.