beams and X-ray facilities do not involve radioactive substances. What about the effect of irradiation on food packaging materials?
The food to be irradiated will often already be in its final package. This raises the question about whether the irradiation has any effect on the packaging that might be transferred to the foods. The effect of irradiation on plastics and other packaging was investigated in the 1960s and early 1970s, in order to identify safe packaging materials for use in the space program. A limited number of materials have been approved for use in packaging food that is to be irradiated. This limited number reflects the limited needs of NASA, not the difficulty of identifying safe products. Many modern packaging materials have simply not been tested. Testing and approving a wider array of packaging materials is critical to the successful commercialization of irradiated foods.” What studies did the FDA use to approve food irradiation? If so safe, why are there so many opposing its use?
Related Questions
- beams and X-ray facilities do not involve radioactive substances. What about the effect of irradiation on food packaging materials?
- How long will the radioactive Cobalt-60 being used in food irradiation facilities exist in our environment?
- Are food irradiation facilities subject to possible meltdowns or explosions?
