What are your views on Food Irradiation?

In light of what has transpired in Japan, what are people's views on the use of Food Irraditaion especially in countries where it is utilised? It will be interesting to see what members have to say on this topical issue.

Regards

Ajay

I personally feel that irradiation is the safest method of treating food for elimination of microbiological organisms and insect infestation, at least in my industry which consists primarily of dried spices and herbs. I've seen numerous cases of recalls of various spices and herbs that have been ethylene oxide and steam treated, but none where the products were irradiated. My employer has recently changed our policy to only allow purchase of irradiated spices (and some herbs).

I do absolutely fear that the current nuclear crisis in Japan will be a setback to the food irradiation method simply due the fact that the average consumer who doesn't have the background to understand these issues will link radioactivity that's associated with irradiated food with the radioactivity associated with the reactor crisis.

Hi Esquef I totally agree with what you have stated. It will be good to see responses from any other members on this topic.

Hi esquef and Dr Shah.

Before I was a university student I was against irradiation of food for any reason. After making a detailed study our class all agreed that irradiation definitely has a role to play in keeping food safe. No residual radiation remains in the product so it would be highly unlikely that it could cause any harm to any plants or animals.

Studies overseas spoke about irradiated meat smelling like a wet dog so it would be unwise to use it with where the organoleptic properties of the product may be adversely affected.

Herbs and spices are excellent candidates for irradiation.

What do others think?

Hi Esquef I totally agree with what you have stated. It will be good to see responses from any other members on this topic.

It is beyond me why we have not been able to progress past some of the irrational concepts we have towards irradition. Especially in the US, the public is more than willing to sue companies out of existence for even imagined faults, but absolutely unwilling to consider actions that potentially save thousands of lives with negligible increase in risk.

In light of what has transpired in Japan, what are people's views on the use of Food Irraditaion especially in countries where it is utilised? It will be interesting to see what members have to say on this topical issue.

Regards

Ajay

The problem with people is that once they accept food-radiation as safe, they no longer care that it sterilizes the seeds so they can't be used by farmers.

Dear All;

The latest test results of radiation levels for food from Japan .

http://www.cfs.gov.h..._17_03_2011.pdf


Regards
Hygienic

Can anyone provide an overview of food irradiation, its history, applications, how it works and where and when it is used? I think it will be helpful to have some background information on the topic.

Thanks,
Simon

I’m curious if radiation can kill any microbiological hazards (bacteria, parasites, etc) that are present on the food and cause it to spoil.

Any thoughts?

I uncovered the article below posted on our website back in 2007, it provides and overview, but not sure of it's relevance today.

How Food Irradiation can reduce Food-Borne Illness

Food irradiation is a process whereby the food is exposed to high levels of radiation in order to kill insects, bacteria and mold, and make the food last longer on the store shelves. Although the idea of radiating food sounds quite unappetizing to most people, it has been practiced in the USA since the 1960's, when the Food & Drug Administration approved the irradiation of wheat and white potatoes. During the 1980s, the FDA approved petitions for irradiation of spices and seasonings, pork, fresh fruits, and dry or dehydrated substances. Poultry received approval in 1990. The FDA approved irradiation for red meat in 1997.

http://www.healthalt...ply-report.html

I was actually reading about Food Irradiation on the Food Standards Agency website and hope this will be of interset to some:

http://www.food.gov....od/irradfoodqa/

Regards

Ajay

It is beyond me why we have not been able to progress past some of the irrational concepts we have towards irradition. Especially in the US, the public is more than willing to sue companies out of existence for even imagined faults, but absolutely unwilling to consider actions that potentially save thousands of lives with negligible increase in risk.

Here is another example: Anyone ever had a MRI scan at the hospital? MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It uses the same concept as NMR spectroscopy for analysing protons, carbon (13) and other elements in organic compounds. NMR = Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. When it was developed for use as a medical diagnostic (at the height of the cold war...), they had to ditch "Nuclear" from the name to save panicking the patients...!

I personally feel that irradiation is the safest method of treating food for elimination of microbiological organisms and insect infestation, at least in my industry which consists primarily of dried spices and herbs. I've seen numerous cases of recalls of various spices and herbs that have been ethylene oxide and steam treated, but none where the products were irradiated. My employer has recently changed our policy to only allow purchase of irradiated spices (and some herbs).

I do absolutely fear that the current nuclear crisis in Japan will be a setback to the food irradiation method simply due the fact that the average consumer who doesn't have the background to understand these issues will link radioactivity that's associated with irradiated food with the radioactivity associated with the reactor crisis.

I totaly agree with your statement, So what I see is a challenge for all of us who work in the food industry to find ways to educate our consumers and public in general, ir order to avoid a negative response to radiation treatment.


What do yo think???

For further insight on this topic please follow this link.: http://www.foodprodu...letter%2BWeekly

Regards

Jens

Thanks for the replies guys ! got some valuable points in my mind trough your comments which i have never known !