Consumers don't want their food irradiated even it if is safer, and a change in terminology is unlikely to change their attitude, says Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. Consumers don't want their food irradiated even it if is safer, and a change in terminology is unlikely to change their attitude, says Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. The Agriculture Department and the Food and Drug Administration are expected to decide in the next two months whether to allow the process to be used on sandwich meats, hot dogs and similar products. The vast majority of products that are currently irradiated are spices, herbs and seasonings. In addition to the term irradiation, labels also must bear a special symbol, known as the radura, which consists of green petals in a broken circle.
Food is irradiated when it is exposed briefly to electrons, gamma rays or X-rays.
It's a matter of whether enough education can be given to the consumer.