IRRADIATION OF FOOD

J. H. Steele argues for irradiation, stating that while the U.S. food supply is generally considered one of the safest in the world, foodborne illnesses remain a concern. Each year, millions of Americans become ill and as many as 5,000 die from foodborne infections. Irradiation, which involves exposing food briefly to radiant energy, can reduce or eliminate microorganisms that contaminate food or cause spoilage. So far, only limited quantities of irradiated foods - spices, herbs, dry vegetable seasonings, and some fresh fruits, vegetables and poultry - have been available in the U.S. Major purchasers are health and food service establishments.
According to the author, the World Health Organization reviewed 500 studies and concluded that food irradiation poses no toxicological, microbiological or nutritional problems. In more than 40 years, there have been no accidents in North America involving transport of the types of radioactive isotopes used for irradiation.
D. B. Louria discusses unresolved issues. He states that of the 200 million episodes of significant diarrhea which occur annually in the U.S., only approximately one-third (76 million) can be ascribed to foodborne disease. Of that number, about 14 million are caused by recognized agents, most of which are viruses. Of the 1800 deaths resulting from infection with known foodborne agents, the majority are caused by Salmonella, Listeria and Toxoplasma. Potentially, food irradiation could markedly lessen the number of severe cases of foodborne disease caused by Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli 015:H7.
Dr. Louria also states that he is not opposed to the concept of sterilizing food by irradiation but is strongly opposed to adoption of such technologies (using cobalt 60, cesium 137,
Adams/SHA/Feb. '02/3 of 8/p. 2 or linear acceleration) before several issues are resolved such as: 1) the potential for chromosome damage in those who consume irradiated foods; and 2) additional studies on the effect of irradiation on natural vitamins, especially important in populations unable to supplement their vitamin intake.
(Gellis S [Ed]. Pediatric Notes 2001; 25(36):141)

COMMENT: The questions/reservations raised by Dr. Louria should be answerable by scientific research and lead to wider acceptance of irradiation by the general population.. - R.A.