$Unique_ID{BRK01998}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Are Irradiated Foods Safe?}
$Subject{Irradiated irradiate Food foods Safe safety produce health healthy
danger dangers hazard hazards irradiation World Organization American Medical
Association Drug Administration bacteria bacterial radioactive radioactivity
nutrition nutritional effect effects risk risks cancer cancers illness
illnesses poison poisoning}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Irradiated Food Safe?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  Some new produce has recently appeared at our local green grocer
that I am sure has been irradiated.  I have many questions and anxieties about
such actions, and want to know what steps I can take to make my grocer take
this food off of his shelves.  I know that such foods represent a real health
hazard and believe that everyone should be protected from the dangers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Many people have questions about the process of irradiation of foods,
and perhaps share some of your anxieties.  And this in spite of the fact that
the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the Food
and Drug Administration have all endorsed the process as perfectly safe.
However, I have real doubts that any of the produce on the shelves of your
local grocery has gone through the process, simply because all such produce
must be clearly labeled as irradiated food, and you surely would have observed
this notice.  Secondly, the process is not being widely used at this time.
The purpose of irradiation is to kill dangerous bacteria which can be found in
some foods, and to delay spoilage.  There is no radioactivity left in the
food, little effect on its nutritional value, and no additional risks of
cancer from irradiated food have been found after extensive evaluation.  It
has been estimated that up to 81 million cases of illness due to food
poisoning could be prevented if this process was in more general use.  In any
case the choice would always be yours to make, since the labeling laws
requiring the foods to be identified are quite specific.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.