Irradiated foods
Current controversies
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on August 21, 2008, that spinach and lettuce may be irradiated to reduce foodborne pathogens.
The FDA admits that irradiation destroys levels of certain vitamins, especially vitamin A. Research also shows irradiation potentially can create dangerous chemical byproducts. Furthermore, the safety of irradiation is unproven, and the quality of food may be compromised.
Critics, including PCC, believe irradiation is not a solution to food-borne illness. It is simply a distraction for the unsanitary conditions of the industrialized food system and does not address the root causes of contamination.
Organic standards prohibit irradiation and PCC will not knowingly sell any irradiated foods.
For more information, see:- Irradiation and Vegetables Don't Mix (PDF), Food and Water Watch Fact Sheet.
- Why Oppose Food Irradiation? (PDF), Public Citizen, Critical Mass Energy and Environment Program.
- The Basics of the Foodfight Over Irradiation, U.S. News blog, Living Well, by Adam Voiland, September 2008.
- Food Irradiation: A Gross Failure, Food and Water Watch and Center for Food Safety report about the impact of irradiation on the smell, taste, color and texture of food, 2006.