Twenty-nine of these countries are actually applying the process for commercial purposes in 1995. Currently, spices and food containers are irradiated in Mexico. Astronauts on space flights have eaten irradiated meats. Loss estimates for the world's stored food due to spoilage and infestation are 10 percent for legumes, as high as 50 percent for non-grain staples, vegetables and fruits, and 35 percent for dried fish. Clearly identifiable uses and benefits exist to support irradiation of food.
Food irradiation can prevent illness and deaths associated with contamination of the food supply.
Food borne disease of microbiological origin is the principal hazard to health associated with the food supply. The number of notifiable cases of Salmonellosis has grown from 951 to 40,912 cases annually in the years 1947 - 1992 although a downward trend resulted after a high of 50,916 cases in 1987. However, food borne disease is believed to be grossly under reported so there is uncertainty in the numbers and trends. Illness can be life threatening, particularly for persons with weakened or immature immune systems. Endnote14 Improper techniques and food handling practices in food service are believed to cause the great majority of cases.