Food Irradiation

Food Irradiation

Food irradiation, also known as "Cold Pasteurization" is the process of exposes food to gamma rays to destroy microorganisms (Mindfully). Some people are for this type of pasteurization while other people are against it. People may fear that there will be harmful side effects for consumers; others agree that it is a good way to get rid of possible deadly dieses. Food irradiation has affects on our food safety.

Irradiation damages the quality of food. This process can cause food to lose five to eighty percent of vitamins A,C,E,K and B complex (Wrong). These are vitamins we need daily to stay healthy. Irradiation also damages natural digestive enzymes in food (Wrong). This means that the body will have to work harder to digest the food. One article states, "Some of these URPs are known toxins (benzene, formaldehyde, lipid peroxides) and some are unique to irradiated foods. Scientists have not studied the long-term effect of these new chemicals in our diet" (Wrong). Therefore I believe that we cannot just assume that it is safe to eat; for all the consumers know it could be five to fifty if the radiation does have an effect on the body. High-energy electron beams are sometimes used so small amounts of radioactivity can be created in food (Wrong). Even small amounts of radioactivity could be harmful to the body. This is why irradiation can damage the quality of food.

Using radioactive material can cause environmental problems. The first problem many workers worldwide is being exposed to the radiation (Wrong). Being exposed to large amounts of radiation can cause cancer and other illnesses. An article talks about how, "the more nuclear irradiators, the more likelihood of a serious accident in transport, operation or disposal of the nuclear materials" (Wrong). This could be a danger to water sources, soil, and humans. This articles talks about how irradiation has already affected people, "Food irradiation facilities have already contaminated the environment. For example, in the state of Georgia in 1988, radioactive water escaped from an irradiation facility. The taxpayers were stuck with $47 million in cleanup costs. Radioactivity was tracked into cars and homes. In Hawaii in 1967 and New Jersey in 1982, radioactive water was flushed into the public sewer system" (Wrong). This not only confirms that mistakes are made at food irradiation plants but people have to pay for the mistakes that effect the environment. This is why food irradiation can be harmful to the environment.

There are some pros to food irradiation. Irradiation can kill ninety to ninety-nine percent of dangerous organisms in food (McVitamin). This is a great way to kind rid of potentially deadly illnesses. Irradiation would be good for people that to not have good immune systems; for example, people that have aids would benefit from this (McVitamin). If an AIDS patient