Radiated Food

[Traveler]

I have long been a proponent of radiating food for several reasons. The shelf life could be increased 10 fold. Expense of keeping food cold in most cases would be eliminated. The danger of contaminated food would be eliminated. Current wasted food could almost eliminate world hunger at no additional cost (except for shipping – which is much less for radiated food). Cost of food, especially shipping could be lowered by a great deal.

A little history: Following World War II the USA tested nuclear weapons under many scenarios. Several scenarios against small mock town produced an interesting discovery. Food that was radiated did not spoil. Milk left on tables in sealed cartons did not spoil, even after several months of not being refrigerated. The reason is that the radiation killed all the bacteria that cause food to spoil and since the food was in a sealed container no new bacteria could get at it, thus it did not spoil.

Since this discovery much research has been done to determine how much radiation is needed to kill bacteria and keep sealed food fresh. As it turns out – not all that much. Many countries have adopted this process to care for food. In over 50 years no ill effects have been found from people eating radiated food. Thus USA and other countries have refused to consider radiating food because of possible unknown health reasons; even though none have ever been demonstrated.

How many e coli contaminations have we had lately and how many lives have been lost because of food contamination? We could end this problem by allowing radiation of food. As I see it there is only one problem. The food industry is concerned that with longer shelf life of food that they would not get the profit from food they are currently getting. Already we pay farmers not to grow food because we produce too much.

I think that it is time to rethink a lot of things. Instead of sending money to starving countries where corrupt governments take a most of the money for themselves – let’s start sending radiated food as foreign aid. It would be a lot harder for corrupt government officials to get rich and much easier to make sure the food was distributed. Oh my heck (unique Utah lingo) we could really solve some problems, not just in the USA but in the world. Just think we could trade radiated food for oil.

What amazes me is that we hear nothing in the media??? Maybe it is time we write our congressmen.

The Traveler

[shanstress70]

I've never heard of it before. Although it sounds logical, it doesn't sound appetizing to me. I'm one of those organic/natural food purchasers, and I like to steer clear of preservatives whenever necessary. I think this would be a hard sell.

[Ray]

What are some examples of radiated food? I'm thinking fruit cake and twinkies.

Or are there none on the market that I can buy today.

I only know certain foods last a looonnng time.

[Blessed]

Most foods are radiated but without public knowledge. From meats to fruits to dried goods.

I am very much against radiation of food because it alters the food. It wipes out all the nutirents with any bad stuff that may be on it.

I buy certified organic foods when possible because I want to eat food the way God intended... whole. Leave my food alone.

[Ray]

We grow a lot of our own foods and plan to raise chickens pretty soon, but I'm open to better alternatives to canning and freezing. We prefer freezing to canning, of most things, usually, but I don't like to be dependent on a freezer.

Does radiating really add anything "bad" to the food? The sun is a radiator, you know.

And we also use a radiator when we use our microwave.

I'd like to hear more about this, if you know.

[Gwen]

small amounts of radiation doesn't hurt most folks. however, my mom had chemo for cancer, had some specific health issues since. after 20yrs she found a dr who told her the radiation was bothering her. to throw out her micorwave and not eat any food that had been in or near radiation. she did it and in days felt better. she had been told that the radition levels in her body are still higher than most folks and what was safe for them is over the top and could make her sick. she's been improving ever since, and can feel it within hours if she accidently eats food that has been microwaved and such.

just something to consider

[Maureen]

I'd like to hear more about this, if you know.

How about "read" about this instead?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_irradiation

M.

[Ray]

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I'd like to hear more about this, if you know.

How about "read" about this instead?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_irradiation

M.

Thank you, Maureen. It sounds like a pretty good thing, if done wisely.

Now if they would only come out with a system for the home... or I found out about one... that I could afford... I'd be set. :)

[CrimsonKairos]

We should irradiate our government employees...who knows, might wipe out all the bad stuff. B)

[Outshined]

At least you can find your food in the dark...

Bear in mind that microwaves don't irradiate the food; that is, there is no actual radiation used. Microwaves cook with electromagnetic radio waves, the same kind used in radar.

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/microwave.html#2