The Food Irradiation Debate

Food irradiation is the process of treating certain foods with ionizing radiation. This ionizing radiation is used to kill bacteria and parasites that are the cause of a great many illnesses. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2005), irradiation use on approved foods has eliminated or reduced disease causing germs, and eliminated the chance of dangerous substances appearing in the food. Several of the organisms purported to be eradicated by irradiation are E. Coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella.

Despite the support of the CDC, debate over the widespread use of food irradiation still rages. Opponents argue that certainly is needed that food irradiation does not and will not cause genetic damage to consumers of the irradiated food. It has already been stated by the CDC that food does not become radioactive due to irradiation, additionally, a study in China showed no chromosomal abnormalities in individuals who consumed irradiated food. Still, opponents argue that more extensive research is necessary before food irradiation becomes widespread, one study in favor of irradiation simply isn't enough to guarantee the safety of food irradiation.

Another argument by the opposition is the issue of shelf-life versus nutrition. More specifically, food irradiation is charged with impacting the nutritional value of foods. Doctor Donald Louria, an opponent of food irradiation and a member of the Department of Preventative Medicine and Community Health notes that evidence suggests that "when irradiated foods are processed (frozen, thawed, heated), there is an accelerated loss of vitamins (2005). This argument is also carried over into the issue of using irradiated foods to help feed people below the poverty line and those in impoverished countries. Opponents note that this loss of nutrients is a trade-off and will not be aiding in nutritional deficiencies and medical conditions caused by them.

Proponents of food irradiation argue that much of the vitamins that are lost are redundant vitamins and are not of great concern. Additionally, they state that comparable levels of vitamins are lost during cooking. This, however, is the reason why Doctor Louria noted that accelerated loss was noted in irradiated foods that are cooked. Louria (2005), also noted that raw foods do not apply to the heating argument. Too bad this issue is further complicated by the CDC's comment on their website noting "the nutritional value of the food is essentially unchanged" (2005). Proponents also see irradiated foods as being a solution to the problem of food spoilage and food sprouting (growth from foods such as potatoes and onions) which in turn provides more food, and more reliable food for those less fortunate individuals and families in both the U.S and other countries of the world.

Lastly, opponents argue that food irradiation plants pose an environmental threat as they require the use of radioactive materials. They state that widespread food irradiation would call for more plants and pose a greater threat to employees and contamination of plants in the area. Proponents can only argue that proper principles and procedures must be followed during the irradiation process in order to curb risks to the public and the environment.

Despite this great debate over the safety of food irradiation, there seems to be no controversy over its effectiveness. Furthermore, proponent George Giddings, and food irradiation researcher (2005), notes that food irradiation is not likely to be applied on a widespread scale. Instead, he states that it will be used "in cases in which it is clearly the best all around choice." This is due to a slew of new technology, including biotechnology, that will be in competition with food irradiation. Opponents argue that perhaps this new technology is a better and safer way to go; however, this technology is currently a ways off.

The arguments of both sides are compelling, yet it is one's own decision as to whether to buy irradiated foods, and support food irradiation. It is important when making this decision to keep both sides of the argument in mind. Clearly the opposition wants consumers to realize that there are many questions surrounding food irradiation that must be answered before it can be accepted. On the other side, proponents push the effectiveness of food irradiation in eliminating harmful and disease causing microbes, as well as the effectiveness in keeping foods fresher longer.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005). Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases: Food Irradiation. Retrieved January 30, 2007, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/foodirradiation.htm

Chiras, D., D. (2005). Human Biology, 5^th Edition. Sudbury, MA. Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

*George G. Giddings, Ph.D writings found within Human Biology, 5^th Edition.

*Donald B. Louria, MD writings found within Human Biology, 5^th Edition.