From the Farm to the Table: A study of the positive effects of food irradiation in today

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From the Farm to the TableA study of the
positive effects of food irradiation in todays
society

• Created by Mary Ann Parsons
• ALDR 7500
• Issues in Contemporary Agriculture
• Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Office
• July 2003

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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?
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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

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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

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

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Gamma Irradiation

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

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A quick look inside a gamma irradiation
facility...
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Electron Beam Irradiator

• Used in foods less than 1 thick
• No problems reported in 15 years of service
• Creates no radioactive waste

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X-Ray Irradiation

• Newest form of irradiation
• Used in very thick foods
• Seen in 50 of all medical supplies
• Similar to hospital x-rays

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If radiation comes out of that plant, where am I
gonna be? Full of cancer?
Joseph Zadak
- Mulberry, Florida
Dont nuke our foods!
Human Life, Not Shelf Life!
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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, lets examine the
facts...
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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

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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

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What have animal feeding studies shown? A direct
comparison...
OPPONENTS
PROPONENTS
VS.
1 - Irradiated foods fed cause mutagenicity
1 - Scientists say should not draw final
conclusions
2 - No extensive studies have been performed
2 - 1980 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
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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)
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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

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Many countries are now irradiating their food...
Estimated amount sold 300,000 tons
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Is trade possible with irradiated foods?

• Hawaiian Department of Agriculture sold several
  hundred tons between 1995-2000
• Strong attraction from tropical and sub-tropical
  countries

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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 Cattlemens 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
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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
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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 15-20 cents per pound
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Supermarkets Selling Irradiated Food to the Public
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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 USDAs Response...
IRRADIATION
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Whats 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

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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