food irradiation

[Robert Heltman]

Dear Martha:

There are plenty of folks in who are concerned about irradiated food.  They
feel it covers up for sloppy & dirty meat processing techniques.  Some
reports I've read indicate that irradiation affects molecules and destroys
some vitamins, etc. and the food is altered.  Thus, there is a strong desire
for irradiated food to be clearly labeled.  It can then be avoided by those
who want clean, good quality, fresh, health giving food.

A wise king, who wishes to remain in charge of a good kingdom, is one who
periodically goes to the edges of his kingdom, in plain garb, and watches
and listens to what the fringes say.  In that regard, and specifically
concerning GE modified foods, check this web site:

	http://www.motherjones.com/mother_jones/JF00/pandora.html

Non-subscriber Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: PHNUTR-L-owner at u.washington.edu
[mailto:PHNUTR-L-owner at u.washington.edu]On Behalf Of NAME "Martha"
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2000 8:52 PM
To: Public Health Nutrition Discussion and Information Group
Subject: food irradiation


Currently, irradiated food caries a symbol indicating that it has been
irradiated.  Apparently the law that requires such labelling is being
questionned, and there is some concern that the labelling of irradiated
foods
will no longer be required in the future.  I have two questions:

1.  Is there anyone else who is concerned about the removal of the labelling
requirement for irradiated food?

2.  Is there anything about irradiated foods that we should avoid?

3.  Is the nutritional quality of irradiated foods comprimized?

(woops that's three questions!)

Martha Munz Gue, Bsc(HEc), MEd.
Medicine Hat College
299 College Drive
Medcine Hat, Alberta
Canada  T1A 3Y6

403 529-3965
mmunzgue at acd.mhc.ab.ca