Spinach and iceberg lettuce can be irradiated to kill harmful bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today.
What does that mean?
Irradiation is ionizing radiation, applied to food as gamma rays from radioisotopes, or electron beams or X-rays from machines. It penetrates into food to kill germs, and also kills insects on the surface of foods. Irradiation extends a products shelf life.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association of America asked the FDA to approve irradiation of leafy greens several years ago. Many consumer groups opposed it, instead pressing the FDA to impose more stringent farm-to-table safety standards.
The FDA approval only includes iceberg lettuce and spinach; other leafy greens, like romaine lettuce, may be added later. And the FDA continues to advise consumers to wash all leafy greens, including irradiated ones, before eating them.
For the complete news item, please visit http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/smarteating/entries/2008/08/22/irradiate.html
MORE:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/news/fsnews.cfm?newsid=28231
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