Irradiated food

Question 1

What is food irradiation

Answer 1

Short light and radio waves are passed through foods like meat, chicken, spices, onions, potatoes and grains
These waves kill the harmful organisims and insects without making the food radioactive
Gamma rays and x-rays are used

Question 2

Advantages of food irradiation

Answer 2

Prevention of food borne illnesses - kills microbes
Preservation - delay/stop ripening process
Inhibits sprouting on bulb and root vegetables - onions/potatoes
Destroys insects - imports/exports of tropical fruit
Destroys bacteria - imported honey
Less spoilage - grains, herbs and spices in storage
Sterilisation - patients that are immune compromised

Question 3

Disadvantages of food irradiation

Answer 3

Workers must be protected
Can be more expensive
Effects vitamins such as A and C (no affect on macro nutrients)
Does not destroy all harmful bacteria
Possible development of resistant microbes