How many countries allow food irradiation?
More than 50 countries have given approval for over 60 products to be irradiated. The USA, China, The Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Thailand and Australia are among the leaders in adopting the technology. Currently regulations on food irradiation in the European Union are not fully harmonised.
What is the worldwide use of food irradiation?
Food irradiation can help prevent foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning. Food irradiation protects people in this world—and people out of this world as well! NASA astronauts eat food that has been irradiated to avoid any chance of foodborne illness in space.
Why is irradiation banned in many countries?
The first is that not enough serious research has been made into the possible effects irradiated foods can have on human health (concerns exist over the radiolytic products generated in them, some fo which are known to have carcinogenic and mutagenic effects).
How many food irradiation facilities are in the world?
There are more than 150 irradiation facilities in over 40 countries. An estimated 55 facilities worldwide use food irradiation and related food irradiation research, according to a 1989 Library of Congress Report. Many countries sell irradiated spices, onions and potatoes.
Why is Cobalt 60 used in food irradiation?
Cobalt-60 is the most common source of gamma rays for food irradiation in commercial scale facilities as it is water insoluble and hence has little risk of environmental contamination by leakage into the water systems.
Who invented food irradiation?
Otto Wust
Why is irradiation of food controversial?
About Food Irradiation Making matters worse, many mutagens are also carcinogens. 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.
Why is food irradiation not used in the US?
But radiation isn’t commonly used to treat most foodstuffs in the U.S. because of cost, consumer wariness and the worries of some about its long-term safety.
Are bananas irradiated?
No. Bananas are slightly radioactive because they contain potassium and potassium decays. You would have to eat a LOT of bananas just to compete with the natural potassium dose of your body. Other ‘radioactive’ potassium-rich foods include spinach, white beans, apricots, salmon, avocados, mushrooms, and yogurt.
Which fruit is most radioactive?
Bananas. You probably already knew that bananas are loaded with potassium. But bananas also happen to be one of the most radioactive foods because they contain the isotope potassium-40. Thanks to this isotope, everyone’s favorite yellow fruit emits a tiny amount of radiation.
Is pork irradiated?
In an effort to kill the ominous parasite that can lead to trichinosis — without the high cooking temperatures — the Food and Drug Administration approved on Monday the use of irradiation for cut or whole fresh pork carcasses. …
What disease does pork carry?
What is trichinosis? Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichinella. People can get this disease by eating raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with the parasite. Often these infected meats come from wild game, such as bear, or pork products.
Are potatoes radioactive?
As with carrots, white potatoes offer between 1 and 2.5 pCi/kilogram of radon-226 and 3,400 pCi/kilogram of potassium-40. Foods made from potatoes, such as chips and french fries, are similarly slightly radioactive.
What are the pros and cons of food irradiation?
List of Pros of Food Irradiation
- Enhances Food Safety.
- Extend the Shelf Life of Consumer Foods.
- No Chemical Residue.
- Minor Nutrient Loss.
- Properly Labeled.
- Does Not Guarantee Total Food Safety.
- Negative Effect on Animals.
- Costly Environmental Contamination.
Is irradiated meat safe?
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.
Can organic food be irradiated?
Can organic foods be irradiated? Happily, no. Just as opting for an ‘organic’ label means the food cannot be genetically modified, foods labeled ‘organic’ cannot be irradiated. Foods which have been irradiated, no matter how they are grown or produced, cannot be labeled as USDA certified organic.