1. From the Farm to the Table: A study of the positive effects of food irradiation in today’s society
Created by Mary Ann Parsons
ALDR 7500
Issues in Contemporary Agriculture
Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Office
July 2003

2. The Burden of Food-borne Illness:
Food-borne illness remains a significant
public health problem in the U.S.
The CDC Estimates that Food-borne Illness Causes:
76 million illnesses
5,000 deaths
Solution?

3. Irradiation An approved and recommended FDA practice
for reducing food-borne pathogens.
The CDC stated that if half of the ground meats
in the U.S. were irradiated...
880,000 fewer illness
8,500 fewer hospitalizations
6,660 fewer catastrophic illnesses
352 lives saved each year

4. What is food irradiation?
- Process by which food is treated with ionizing radiation
in order to kill harmful bacteria that may reside in the
contaminated product.
First case of FDA irradiation
Wheat flour-1963
Spices irradiated since 1983
NASA astronauts
Performed in “final packaging”

5. What common problems can irradiation solve in food?
- Inhibits Sprouting in
Potatoes, Onions, Garlic
Non-Irradiated
Irradiated
- Delay ripening of fresh fruits and vegetables
Non-Irradiated
Irradiated
- Replace chemical
fumigation

6. Various Types of Radiation Used:
Gamma Rays
Electron Beams
X - rays
Amounts administered is measured in unit called a “Gray”
“D-values” determine amount of irradiation needed to kill 90% of bacteria

7. Gamma Irradiation Two forms: Penetrate food several feet
Cobalt-60 (most commonly used)
Cesium 137
Penetrate food several feet
Used to sterilize dental and medical instruments
Will not create radioactivity

8. A quick look inside a gamma irradiation facility...

9. Electron Beam Irradiator
Used in foods less than 1” thick
No problems reported in 15 years of service
Creates no radioactive waste

10. X-Ray Irradiation Newest form of irradiation Used in very thick foods
Seen in 50% of all medical supplies
Similar to hospital x-rays

11. “If radiation comes out of that plant, where am I gonna be
“If radiation comes out of that plant, where am I gonna be? Full of cancer?
Joseph Zadak - Mulberry, Florida
“Don’t nuke our foods!”
“Human Life, Not Shelf Life!”

12. Opponents View on Irradiation...
NEGATIVE
Consumers are not given a choice
Food will become radioactive
Further deplete nutritional value of foods
No “long term” studies have been performed
Animal feeding studies show conflicting results
Costs of food will increase drastically
To answer these questions,
let’s examine the facts...

13. Labeling of Irradiated Products
1958 Food Additive Amendment to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
defined as an additive
all products must be labeled with international logo
“Radura”
“Treated by Irradiation”
Unpackaged Products
Labeled at point of sale
2002 Farm Bill
“cold pasteurization”

14. Critics claim the food can become radioactive... But will it really?
Medical Sterilization Facilities in operation for 50 years
Electron beams and x-rays use electricity as main source
No “meltdown” can occur

15. What have animal feeding studies shown? A direct comparison...
OPPONENTS
VS.
PROPONENTS
1 - Irradiated foods fed cause mutagenicity
1 - Scientists say should not draw final conclusions
2 - No extensive studies have been performed
Chinese human feeding trial
3 - FDA failure-approval of cyclamate sweetener in 1950
3 - Sweetener was not studied extensively
4 - Study in India causes testicular tumors, kidney damage, cancer
4 - Scientist did not come to those conclusions at all

16. So, why all of the confusion?
Food & Water, Inc. reports data that has nothing to do with irradiation
- ABC Report
Irrelevant Science
False Claims
Opponents are using outdated research to make their claims:
“Reproductive Problems, Cancer in Mammals (Oct. 1968)
“Fatal Internal Bleeding in Rats” (1959)
“Embryo Deaths in Mice” (1970)

17. How do I know I am receiving a wholesome, nutritious product?
FSIS performs tests to ensure proper nutrition in all foods
Essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins sustained
Will not change any more than:
Pasteurization
Freezing
Canning
Cooking

18. Many countries are now irradiating their food...
Estimated amount sold:
300,000 tons

19. Is trade possible with irradiated foods?
Hawaiian Department of Agriculture sold several hundred tons between
Strong attraction from tropical and sub-tropical countries

20. Many Organizations Support the Use of Irradiation
American Association of Meat Processors
American Council on Science and Health
American Medical Association
American Veterinary Medical Association
Food and Drug Administration
Infectious Diseases Society of America
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
National Food Processors Association
New England Journal of Medicine
The Mayo Clinic
U.S. Department of Agriculture
World Health Organization
“Food irradiation is the
most valuable addition in
our arsenal against food-
borne illness.”
-Dr. Elizabeth Whelan,
American Council on
Science and Health

21. Positive Consumer Acceptance
Huisken Meat, Inc. sold 2 million pounds in 5 weeks
7,000 supermarkets and retail outlets now carry irradiated foods
Positive market trials in Chile, Argentina, China, France, Thailand, U.S.
Chinese study-90% prefer irradiated foods over chemically treated
CDC reports 80 % of consumers will buy irradiated food if first educated
Fast food chains are joining in (DQ was 1st)
Positive

22. How much will irradiated foods cost?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
“Added Value” of extra processing- same as pasteurization, fumigation, and refrigeration
- Low Dosage Irradiation
Cost increase of 1-2 cents per pound
- High Dosage Irradiation
Difference of cents per pound

23. Supermarkets Selling Irradiated Food to the Public

24. National School Lunch Program
Outbreaks increased 10 % during the past ten years in U.S. schools
90% of the food was traced to the federal school meal program
The USDA’s Response...
IRRADIATION

25. What’s on the menu?
Beginning January 2004, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) will carry irradiated meat
Schools have the choice and responsibility to inform parents and students
Foods will be clearly marked with international logo

26. The Future of Irradiation is Now
Disease-causing microorganisms are reduced or eliminated
Nutritional Value is unchanged
Food does not become radioactive
Trade will grow and prosper
Irradiation is a safe and effective technology
that can help prevent food borne illness