It could be that one day irradiated foods also will proceed to market unremarked upon. In fact, some are already, because the FDA had already allowed irradiation of poultry, fruits, vegetables and spices. The American Dietetic Association's position is that irradiated food is safe itself and prevents outbreaks of foodborne illness. But the ADA does point out that irradiation does not replace proper food handling. The Center for Science in the Public Interest goes farther.
Consumers prefer to have no filth on meat than to have filth sterilized by irradiation.
In other words, if food is produced and handled properly in the first place, we won't need the wonders of technology to save us. And to go back for a moment to Pasteur and his germs, we've seen what's happened as overuse and misuse of antibiotics has selectively bred germs that resist the drugs. Perhaps the danger is in overdependence on technology. Perhaps it's good to stay suspicious. Corp. Information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.