The Future of Irradiated Foods

As the nation is embroiled in another tainted food scandal, many wonder if the subject of irradiation—brief exposure of food to X-rays, gamma rays or an electron beam to reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria, insects and parasites—will make its way back onto the government’s menu of action items. A recent New York Times article examined both sides of the irradiated food battle and presented a sound argument for revisiting the concept that was introduced during the Clinton Administration but has seen “limited action" since.