Why are foods irradiated, and do irradiated foods cause cancer?
Radiation is increasingly used to kill harmful organisms on foods in order to extend their “shelf life.” Radiation does not remain in the foods after treatment, however, and there is no evidence that consuming irradiated foods increases cancer risk. Should I avoid processed meats? Some epidemiological studies have linked high consumption of processed meats with increased risk of colorectal and stomach cancers. This association may or may not be due to nitrites, which are added to many luncheon meats, hams, and hot dogs to maintain color and to prevent contamination with bacteria. Nitrites can be converted within the stomach into carcinogenic nitrosamines, which may increase the risk of gastric cancer. Diets high in vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C and phytochemicals retard the conversion of nitrites into nitrosamines. Consumption of meats preserved by methods involving smoke or salt increases exposure to potentially carcinogenic chemicals, and so should be minimized. How does
