Food Irradiation

 Food irradiation is ionizing radiation on foods, in the form of gamma rays. This process is used to delay the ripening and extend the shelf life of fruits; destroy harmful bacteria and inhibit the sprouting of certain vegetables like potatoes.

Food irradiation is an extremely controversial practice; proponents say food irradiation is safe and necessary to make the food supply safer. It may also reduce the risk for foodborne illness and food losses due to spoilage.

Contrary to the proponents, the opponent argue irradiation produces altered food molecules, destroys most of the vitamins, and alters the fatty acid structures in that food.

Other concerns by the opponents is that food irradiation be used to hide poor sanitation practices by the food processors who may want to hide contaminated meat and poultry products in addition to poorly sanitized food production facilities.