Food & Water Watch: Global Week of Action Against Food Irradiation

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Fri, 1 Dec 2006 15:58:17 -0500 (EST)

" Audrey Hill, Food & Water Watch "

<fwwatch

Global Week of Action Against Food Irradiation

 

 

Global Week of Action Against Food Irradiation

Statement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter

 

Each November since 2003, activists around the world have worked

together to organize a Global Week of Action Against Food Irradiation.

Events ranging from educational forums to protest rallies have been

held in the United States, Italy, France, the Philippines, Australia,

and Brazil, highlighting the dangers posed by irradiated foods and by

the facilities where they are irradiated. This year's activities are

similarly diverse, marked by events focused on irradiated fruit in

Australia and New Zealand, and public education about irradiated food

in Europe.

 

U.S. consumers have been wary of irradiated food – for good reason.

The technology doesn't just kill bacteria; it depletes vitamins and

creates new chemicals in foods that affect taste and smell. Studies

have shown that irradiation destroys vitamin A, beta-carotene, and

vitamin C in potatoes, orange juice and other foods.

 

Today, Food & Water Watch released a new report on the Status of Food

Irradiation Around the World.

 

http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/food/intlfoodirradiation/food-irradiation-statu\

s-2006

 

While the technology is not popular in the United States, plans to

build irradiators overseas could mean more irradiated imports for U.S.

consumers.

 

Irradiation is a Band & #8209;aid, not a cure. It's an expensive technology

that does not address contamination at the processing plant and may

damage the food. Consumers around the world deserve better.