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Deadly rays? We settle your nutrition queries without prejudice. This month, the case against irradiation

Men's Fitness, May, 2004 by Sara Cohen

THE CHARGE

Experts claim irradiation is safe, but nobody knows for sure if it's true.

THE CASE FOR THE DEFENSE

* Irradiation has been approved as safe by both the FDA and the American Medical Association.

* Treating food with radiation kills bacteria, reducing your risk of food poisoning.

THE CASE FOR THE PROSECUTION

* The FDA's decision to approve irradiation is based on the results of only five studies, all of which were conducted prior to 1982.

* A U.S. Army study found that irradiation may dramatically increase the number of cancer-causing compounds called free radicals in food.

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* Irradiated foods may be less nutritious, with up to 80% less vitamin A, B, C, E, and K than untreated foods.

* Irradiated food may have higher levels of toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.

* Some irradiated foods have a slightly burnt taste.

MF'S VERDICT: GUILTY!

Even if irradiation is safe--which is debatable--it's still unnecessary. As long as you wash all fruits and vegetables properly, and cook meat until it's no longer pink inside, there's no reason to put yourself--or your stomach--at risk for a nuclear meltdown.

Deadly rays? We settle your nutrition queries without prejudice. This month, the case against irradiation

Men's Fitness, May, 2004 by Sara Cohen

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