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S E A R C H
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Perspective
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H O M E >>
P E R S P E C T I V E >>
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<p><br><br><!-- <img src="elements/box.gif" valign=center> --><font face="helvetica,arial" color="#006600" size=""> <B>Introduction</B></font><hr size=1 color="#999999">
Perspective allows viewers of the web site to share their views on
food irradiation with others. Through the use of forums, the public
can share their feelings as they continue to learn more about
food irradiation.
<p><br><br><!-- <img src="elements/box.gif" valign=center> --><font face="helvetica,arial" color="#006600" size=""> <B>Is food irradiation SAFE?</B></font><hr size=1 color="#999999">
The safety of irradiation is a common, and very valid question. The term "radiation" easily brings fright -- the cold war instilled
fear of nuclear devices.
Food irradiation has been studied thoroughly since the beginning of the 20th century, but has never entered the
commercial sector. Most believe the technology to be safe, but we ask for your opinion. Peruse the information on our site,
and read the information we have linked to, and let your voice be heard.
Food irradiation can be a frightening process - the idea of radiation treatment does not provoke pleasurable memories. However, according to many studies consumers are highly likely (sometimes 90% likely) to choose or consider purchasing irradiated foods. Would we?
<p><br><br><!-- <img src="elements/box.gif" valign=center> --><font face="helvetica,arial" color="#006600" size=""> <B>He Said, She Said</B></font><hr size=1 color="#999999">
with Jason Surovy and Shruti Grutpa
Jason: Hey, Shru - before we started this project, you were clueless as to what food irradiation was. Has your opinion of the technology changed?
Shruti: Yes. If I had seen irradiated food at the supermarket without the knowledge I have gained, I would not have purchased irradiated food. Not because I would think it would be unsafe, but rather because of ignorance. I would not understand how much better the irradiated product was compared to the product that was not irradiated.
Jason: What do you mean by “much better?”
Shruti: Cleaner and safer. I like knowing that a product that I am buying is safe because irradiation has removed pathogens from the product. Don’t you think irradiation makes a product better?
Jason: No. I think the opposite - irradiation changes the product, and does not make it “better.” The texture, quality, and taste are all adversely affected by irradiation. Also, the process of irradiation creates pathogens. Although eggs can contain up to 100 times more carcinogens than an irradiated treated product, I do not feel safer eating irradiated foods.
Shruti: I think that the decrease in chance of food borne illness has a greater benefit that the extremely low chance of becoming cancerous from irradiated food.
Jason: Perhaps, but I do not understand why one should raise their chances for cancer. Although the threat posed by irradiation food is slim, and according to animal studies has been shown to be almost nothing, I don’t want to increase my odds. It should also be noted that most cases of food poisoning occur because of improper food handling - something that food irradiation does not solve.
Shruti: But wouldn’t feel safer knowing that your burger from a fast food restaurant will not make you sick?
Jason: Ha. I don’t like hamburgers - from anyone. Even in this instance, where a restaurant has mishandled food, I would still not request irradiated food. Most people do not buy irradiated food without education - trial studies have given videos to supermarket customers to educate them on the benefits of irradiated foods. However, I believe that this money should be used to educated people on proper food handling - one of the best alternatives to food irradiation.
Shruti: Food irradiation is a supplement to proper food handling, not a replacement for it.
Jason: That can be said, but will not be true. If you buy irradiated meat, will you be as careful about cooking and handling it?
Shruti: I would think so, although I could see myself becoming lax with my handling methods if I used irradiated products constantly. I still believe irradiated foods would be very beneficial to the American food supply.
<p><br><br><!-- <img src="elements/box.gif" valign=center> --><font face="helvetica,arial" color="#006600" size=""> <B>Discussions</B></font><hr size=1 color="#999999">
For a listing of all discussions on the site, see the forum
page.
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Is food irradiation safe?
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Is food irradiation the best method to clean our food supply?
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After studying the material on this site, has your opinion of
food irradiation changed?
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Created for the ThinkQuest competition
(c) Copyright 1999 Jason Surovy & Shruti Grupta
