Question

How can you tell if a food has been irradiated to preserve it?

Answer 1

The FDA regulates food irradiation and foods that have been irradiated must display the radura symbol on their packaging. Irradiation involves exposing food to radiation, but it does not make the food itself radioactive. While certain vitamins may be lost and the taste or smell of fatty foods may be affected, the nutritional quality of irradiated food is not significantly altered.

Step-by-step explanation:

The FDA regulates the irradiation of food in the United States. Irradiated foods must display the radura symbol on their packaging. Meats (beef, pork, chicken), shrimp, lobster, fruits, vegetables, shellfish, and spices are some examples of foods that may be irradiated.

When food is irradiated, it is exposed to cobalt-60 or cesium-137 radiation. The food does not directly come into contact with the radioactive material and does not become radioactive itself. Therefore, there is no risk of exposure to radioactive material when consuming irradiated foods.

While irradiation can cause a loss of certain vitamins and alter the taste or smell of fatty foods, it does not significantly affect the nutritional quality of the food. It is important to note that irradiation does not make the food itself radioactive.

Answer 2

Irradiated foods are identified by the radura symbol on packaging, and the process is safe and regulated by the FDA. It extends shelf life and kills bacteria without making the food radioactive, although high doses can affect taste and nutrition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Identifying whether food has been irradiated is simple by looking for the radura symbol on its packaging. In the United States, the FDA requires this labeling on irradiated foods such as meats, shellfish, fruits, vegetables, and spices. The irradiation process exposes food to ionizing radiation, typically using cobalt-60 or cesium-137, which eradicates harmful bacteria and extends shelf life without making the food radioactive.

While it is a safe method approved by agencies like the FDA, CDC, and EPA, it can cause some changes in taste or nutritional content at high doses. However, at low-level irradiation (up to 1000 Gy), most foods do not exhibit noticeable changes in quality.