Question

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of irradiating food. Include examples of foods that are irradiated.

Answer 1

ADVANTAGE of irradiated food:

• Increases food safety: In meat and poultry irradiation reduces risk of food-borne diseases  caused by micro-organisms like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria and E. coli. Food irradiation can kill disease causing bacteria and can be used to purify the food of the patients with an weak immune system such as those undergoing chemotherapy.
• Increases shelf life: irradiation not only eliminating food pathogens, It can also help to increase the shelf life of food items by killing the inactive organisms. Inactive micro-organisms cause spoilage, infection and intoxication.
• No Chemical Residue: The WHO has certified that Food irradiation  is safe to use. Radiation processing does not produce any toxic substances.
• A active measure against insects: Irradiated food are less attractive to insects . So there is less chance of decaying of food and it is less likely the insects will leave eggs in food, which cause different health problems.
• Less nutrient loss: In most of the food , irradiation processing does not affect flavour, nutritional value, appearance of food and textures.

• DISADVANTAGE of irradiated food:
• Mutation in bacteria: Inadequate supply of radiation cause mutation in bacteria, producing more dangerous bacteria.
• No total safety of food: insufficient amount of radiation will not be able to get rid of virus. This means there is no proper food safety.
• Effects aves and animals: there are studies which say that irradiated food cause health problems in animals and birds. It causes cancer, chromosomes abnormalities and premature death.
• Change in color and texture: Sometime irradiated food may alter the color and textures of food. For example smell of beef changed after irradiation and for many people this smell are unpleasant.
• High cost: irradiated foods are more expensive which cannot be afforded by everyone.