The view that consumers are opposed to buying irradiated food cannot be substantiated. This misconception might have arisen from opinion polls conducted during the 1980's in some Western countries. Certain consumer groups often amplified some poll findings to support their position. Most of these surveys, however, did not supply the respondents with sufficient background information on the safety, benefits and limitations of food irradiation. Since the early 1990's, consumers have increased their understanding of food safety risks has become more realistic.
Consumers readily choose irradiated foods in commercial marketing and tests.
When consumer surveys provide accurate, factual information, allowing consumers to make an informed choice, the results indicate good support for irradiation processing. The most significant factor favouring irradiated food appears to be superior quality and safety. In none of these trials, which were carried out under actual market conditions, was there any evidence to indicate that informed consumers will not accept irradiated foods. Many irradiated foods are being marketed at the retail level. The USDA announced its proposed policy in 1995 to accept irradiation as a quarantine treatment of fresh fruits against fruit flies regardless of the host commodities.