Position of the American Dietetic Association: Fund irradiation

Food irradiation has been identified as a safe technology to reduce the ris k of foodborne illness as part of high-quality food production, processing, handling, and preparation. Food irradiation's history of scientific resear ch, evaluation, and testing spans more than 50 years. The process has been approved by more than 40 countries around the world and it has been endorse d or supported by numerous national and international food and health organ izations and professional groups. Food irradiation utilizes a source of ion izing energy that passes through food to destroy harmful bacteria and other organisms. Often referred to as "cold pasteurization," food irradiation of fers negligible loss of nutrients or sensory qualities in food as it does n ot substantially raise the temperature of the food during processing. Food irradiation does not replace proper food production, processing, handling, or preparation, nor can it enhance the quality of or prevent contact with f oodborne bacteria after irradiation. In the United States, manufacturers ar e required to identify irradiated food sold to consumers with an internatio nal symbol (Radura) and terminology describing the process on product label s. In addition, food irradiation facilities are thoroughly regulated and mo nitored for worker and environmental safety. Members of The American Dietet ic Association (ADA) and other food, nutrition, and health professionals ha ve a responsibility to educate consumers, food processors, manufacturers an d retailers about the safety and application of the technology. When consum ers are educated about food irradiation, many prefer irradiated products be cause of their increased safety. It is the position of the ADA that food ir radiation enhances the safety and quality of the food supply and helps prot ect consumers from foodborne illness. The ADA encourages the government, fo od manufacturers, food commodity groups, and qualified food and nutrition p rofessionals to work together to educate consumers about this additional fo od safety tool and make this choice available in the marketplace.