Since I've decided to eat healthier, I read a lot of food labels. One term I come across frequently is irradiation. So, I decided to scout around and see what I could learn about this food processing procedure.
In simplified terms, irradiation is the treatment and preservation of foods with gamma rays, electron beams and x-rays. In the United States, foods processed with irradiation are labeled by the EPA with the Radura symbol or a line of text mentioning irradiation.
(Radura logo courtesy of the USDA, Wikimedia Commons)
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Irradiation :
In simplified terms, irradiation is the treatment and preservation of foods with gamma rays, electron beams and x-rays. In the United States, foods processed with irradiation are labeled by the EPA with the Radura symbol or a line of text mentioning irradiation.
(Radura logo courtesy of the USDA, Wikimedia Commons)
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Irradiation :
- kills disease-causing germs
- kills parasites and bacteria that cause food born illnesses including E. coli and Salmonella
- does not mean foods are clean. Irradiated foods should still be washed before eating. They may get dirty during transportation to the grocery store.
- increases the shelf of fresh produce, inhibits mold growth and reduces sprouting
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Irradiation:
- does not make food radioactive or change the nutritional value of food
- does not eliminate all food dangers.
- makes old produce appear "fresh" and eliminates the "rancid" odor of decomposing produce
- is not applied to organic foods
So, how do you feel about eating food treated with irradiation? I can't imagine the nutritional value of irradiated foods isn't diminished. I've love to read some credible, not government-based, research about the nutrition of irradiated foods. Please share your comments and links to additional resources below. Thank you!
Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living
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Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living
###
