Irradiation Almost Erases Risk of Food...(le technology. We think it's something c...),Health

However, supporters of irradiation say that the process is the only practical way to prevent spread of dangerous bacteria and increase shelf life, given the realities of how food is produced today.

"When you consider that the global problem with food will only increase, we need to preserve as much food as possible for distribution as we increase our population," said Dr. Philip Tierno, director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University Medical Center.

"I think irradiation is a very good alternative technique, and it should be used more than it is," Tierno said. "Irradiated food products may be the means for extending shelf life of foods and, in addition, the killing of potential pathogens -- it may be the only means -- there may be no alternative," he said.

Niemira noted that scientific evidence shows that irradiation is safe and nutritional values remain unchanged.

"All the researchers showed that irradiated food is perfectly safe," Niemira said. "Do people want to approach the subject of irradiated food from a straight scientific standpoint -- as safe and effective? If there are other issues they want to bring to that and from a philosophical perspective, they say they don't want to eat irradiated food, well, that's another issue."

More information

For more about irradiated food, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

SOURCES: Brendan A. Niemira, Ph.D., microbiologist, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Wyndmoor, Pa.; Philip Tierno, M.D., Ph.D., director, clinical microbiology and immunology, New York University Medical Center, New York City; Joseph Mendelson III, legal director, Center for Food Safety, Washington, D.C.; April 10
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