Should Food Be Irradiated?

Yes, irradiated foods are safe. Irradiation makes meat and poultry safer by reducing the numbers of harmful bacteria and parasites. Food irradiation does not make foods radioactive. ... Nutrient losses caused by irradiation are less than or about the same as losses caused by cooking and freezing.

Why is irradiation of food bad?

Research also shows that irradiation forms volatile toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene, chemicals known, or suspected, to cause cancer and birth defects. Irradiation also causes stunted growth in lab animals fed irradiated foods.

What is irradiated food and why should I avoid it?

Food irradiation does not make food radioactive. Food irradiation reduces or removes pathogens, such as bacteria and molds, that spoil food and cause food poisoning and other illness. For example, irradiation can kill Escherichia coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria.