The process by which FDA determines the safety of irradiation for use of various foods is both science-based and rigorous. While irradiation is not a cure-all, it is a safe and effective technology that can offer strong benefits to consumers in helping protect the safety of the food supply. For Public Citizen to fight the use this valuable food safety technology is irresponsible and incomprehensible. This is a safe technology that provides strong benefits to consumers. NFPA will work closely with FDA and other government agencies on educational efforts to ensure that consumers get the information they need to better understand the process and benefits of food irradiation.
Food irradiation is a safe, simple and relatively inexpensive process to make foods safer.
It has been available since the 1950s but has been sorely underutilized to the detriment of consumers. Scientific evidence strongly supports the safety of food irradiation, as well as the many benefits this technology offers for consumers and food companies alike. Authoritative scientific bodies ranging from the World Health Organization to the American Medical Association, all agree with FDA that food irradiation presents no health risk. More than 35 countries have approved irradiation as a safe food treatment technology. The process by which USDA and FDA determine the safety of irradiation for use on various foods is rigorous to the point of being arduous.