Researchers have documented losses of vitamins A, C, E and B in some irradiated foods, but supporters say a person eating a well-rounded diet would still get enough. Labeling and marketing problems also remain. FDA rules require all irradiated foods to be clearly noted as such and to include the green international radura symbol. Research presented at the conference indicates that when consumers believe irradiation makes food safer, they're more willing to buy it, even at higher prices. Community or activist opposition is another concern.
Irradiation has advantages for the industry, including a longer shelf life for food.
But a company's estimated cost increase from the process ranges from 3 cents to 7 cents a pound. Some of that could be passed on to consumers. As the industry weighs these factors, many stores and scientists compare the debate to one decades ago about pasteurization of milk, universally accepted today. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved. Site users are subject to our User Agreement .