These issues have been addressed by industry and government with reasonable assurances of safety. Processing plants are constructed with heavy radiation shielding, and sophisticated safety control systems are in place. Interestingly, many unfounded concerns and criticisms were directed initially at other modern food processing advances, including pasteurization, freezing, canning, and microwaving. Fluoridation of water to prevent cavities was a high-profile controversy for many years before and during its successful introduction. Current consumer attitude research and actual market sales show that, when provided reliable scientific information on the process, consumers are quite likely to purchase and consume irradiated food.
Some studies show that consumers are even willing to pay more for irradiated products.
Many prominent American scientists and public health authorities also support the use of irradiation. Among them has been Dr. James H. Steele, former assistant surgeon general for the US Public Health Service and the founder and former chief of the CDC's veterinary public health section in Atlanta. Much foodborne illness and associated deaths could be prevented. Prepared by Drs.