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waronyou
08-24-2008, 04:55 AM
The Food and Drug Administration has approved use of irradiation on spinach and lettuce to kill dangerous bacteria, but companies may have a tough time selling the idea to consumers.

The FDA's decision, effective today, adds iceberg lettuce and spinach to the short but growing list of foods approved for irradiation, including meat, poultry and some shellfish.

While a handful of companies have succeeded in selling irradiated ground beef since it hit the market in 2000, the idea has largely flopped. "Mom wouldn't buy it," says Craig Wilson, food-safety chief for Costco.

Like pasteurization of milk and pressure cooking of canned foods, treating food with ionizing radiation can kill bacteria such as E. coli. NASA gives irradiated food to astronauts, and the technology, which kills bacteria by altering its DNA, was first used in the U.S. in 1964 to extend the shelf life of white potatoes.

Based on available data, the FDA said Thursday that irradiation done correctly and at approved levels would reduce or eliminate bacteria without altering the nutritional value of the greens or harming consumers.

Opponents say more testing is needed and that the FDA could better enhance food safety by policing foodmakers more. The consumer group Food & Water Watch called irradiation an "impractical, ineffective and very expensive gimmick" that may ruin flavor, texture and nutritional value.

The FDA's ruling resulted from a petition filed in 2000 by a food-manufacturing association asking the FDA to approve irradiation for a broad array of foods. In 2007, the petition was amended so that the leafy greens could be ruled on first.

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Kathianne
08-24-2008, 09:24 AM
Sounds like an excellent idea to me. Less food borne illnesses. Here's a link to the news article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/health/policy/22spinach.html?ei=5124&en=4d87f8791e3baa62&ex=1377144000&adxnnl=1&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink&adxnnlx=1219587466-WCP6Yp+eakcyMEPNuGsb5A


August 22, 2008
F.D.A. Allows Irradiation of Some Produce
By GARDINER HARRIS

WASHINGTON — The government will allow food producers to zap fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce with enough radiation to kill micro-organisms like E. coli and salmonella that for decades have caused widespread illness among consumers.

It is the first time the Food and Drug Administration has allowed any produce to be irradiated at levels needed to protect against illness.

“This is probably one of the single most significant food safety actions done for fresh produce in many years,” said Robert Brackett, chief scientist for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, which petitioned the agency in 2000 to allow manufacturers to irradiate a wide variety of processed meats, fruits and vegetables and prepared foods....

Nukeman
08-24-2008, 02:10 PM
This is one of the best and least expensive ways of sterilizing materials, whether they are food or mechanical items.

Irradiation has been in use for years with NO side affects. It is used solely in the orthopedic industry. Every hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder that is placed in a person is irradiated with Co-58 to sterilize it. It is much safer than chemicals, doesn't warp or damage the material with high heat, is quicker, and very cost effective.

The problem with the general person in the US is they hear something will be irradiated and they automatically think the item is now RADIOACTIVE, nothing could be further from the truth, if this were true than EVERY person that receives an X-ray would than be radioactive.

People would rather have tons of chemicals dumped into their water and food stuffs instead of irradiating them to sterilize it. I just shake my head and wonder how people can be so dumb!!!!!!

5stringJeff
08-26-2008, 05:20 PM
It's about time. The FDA is one of the most dangerous government agencies out there. People die because of its inactivity.

Mr. P
08-26-2008, 06:25 PM
It's about time. The FDA is one of the most dangerous government agencies out there. People die because of its inactivity.

Can we all say, "Bring on the Department of National Health Care?", "Everything will be great then".

manu1959
08-26-2008, 06:38 PM
the sun irradiates you every day.....and you turned out ok.....

Little-Acorn
08-26-2008, 07:10 PM
The anti-irradiation hysterics have come up with a cute name for these products:

Frankenfoods.

Apparently they expect irradiated foods to somehow grow two heads and take over the world, or something.