What is irradiation, and is it used on fresh produce?
· Irradiation is used occasionally on fruits and vegetables to eliminate insect infestation, to inhibit growth and maturation, and to prevent spoilage. · Irradiation cannot make foods good by reversing spoilage or maturation, but it can stop or slow it down. · At certain levels, irradiation also kills germs and can serve as an alternative to chemical fumigants. Foods that are irradiated do not become radioactive, and health authorities worldwide approve of irradiating foods. · In Canada, all irradiated foods are labeled at the supermarket.
