Assessment of wholesomeness off irradiated foods

Although the World Health Organization recommends food irradiation as one the most promising methods to fight the increasing trend in the incidence of foodborne diseases, industrial application of this technology is still very limited. Some consumer initiatives are vigorously opposed to the marketing of irradiated foods, and as a consequence, the food industry in most countries is hesitant to make use of existing legal permissions to irradiate certain foods. A recurring theme in the argumentation of those opposed to food irradiation is the claim or suspicion that consumption of irradiated foods may entail negative chronic health effects. This review considers the arguments of opponents and summarizes the scientific evidence demonstrating radiological, microbiological and toxicological safety as well as nutritional adequacy of irradiated foods. (author) 94 refs.; 1 fig.; 3 tabs