- Irradiated foods creates chemical substances, known as radiolytic products, which could be toxic or cancer causing.

-Irradiation destroys nutrients and decreases the amount of vitamins in the food; and

-Irradiation poses a danger to the environment through transportation, storage, and creation of radioactive wastes.

-Food Irradiation changes the chemical composition of food, creating chemicals such as benzenes and formaldehyde and other carcinogens, which may be toxic and cancer causing.

-Destroys up to 96% of vitamins, enzymes and beneficial bacteria, specifically reducing vitamins A,C, E and B complex vitamins.

-Makes it more difficult to recognize spoilage.

-Changes the taste and texture of food

-No long term studies have been conducted on effect on human health from eating irradiated food.

Food Irradiation to bust Unions?

While the USDA is promoting meat irradiation, it is moving to privatize meat inspections, allowing the industry to police itself. Federal inspectors will only be allowed to inspect meat after it has been processed and packaged. Through the use of technological "interventions," including chemical dips and irradiation, the USDA believes these processes will ensure food safety and more than offset a reduction in federal meat inspections. As a result, there is an increased risk of diseased and bacteria-laden meat that could be irradiated and then wind up on the dinner table. Therefore, to properly insure the health and safety of the public, a moratorium on the irradiation of food extending for five years

-The food industry sees irradiation as a quick fix to the problem of food-borne illnesses. The industry would rather zap bacteria and microbes with radiation than address the unsanitary conditions at food processing facilities and slaughterhouses.

-Irradiation may kill some bacteria but it does not stop the spread of disease from factory farms. The emergence of new bacteria like, deadly strains of E.Coli, are a direct result of industrialized farming practices.

-The meat industry maximizes profits by raising animals in cramped, inhumane conditions and slaughtering them in unsanitary facilities.

-Rather than giving meat inspectors more authority to keep unsanitary meats from being sold, the government is seeking to reduce the number of inspectors, and allow the industry to police itself.

-Many spices and dry vegetable seasonings

-It is also legal to irradiate beef, poultry, lamb, pork, vegetables, fruits and grains

-Processed foods such as baby food do not have to be labeled

-Irradiated food items sold in retail establishments are supposed to be labeled, but restaurants, hospitals, schools and food sources do not have to notify their customers.

-Due to pressure from the food industry, the FDA is considering eliminating labeling altogether.

-Currently, approved foods by the FDA for irradiation are wheat, wheat flour, fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, teas and spices.

-The food industry has asked the FDA to add fresh juices, sprouts, seeds, prepared fresh foods and frozen foods to the list of foods approved for irradiation.

In Suffolk, New York and New Jersey, legislation is pending that would place a ban on the distribution and sale of irradiated food. We are compiling a list of restaurants and food retailers who will voluntarily pledge to avoid purchasing, selling or serving irradiated food. The list will be published in advertising and on the web and will be sent to Congress and Federal and State agencies.

1. Ask your local restaurant and food retailed to sign the voluntary pledge to avoid selling irradiated food.

2) Write your elected official and ask them to support legislation banning irradiated foods.

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