When Should Our Food Be Labeled? (photo by Rick Tango)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants to revise its labeling requirements for irradiated foods,
including dietary supplements. The FDA is proposing that only foods in which there is a "change in the organoleptic, nutritional, or functional properties of a food, caused by irradiation" will be required to carry labels to inform consumers that the food has been irradiated. Other irradiated foods sold to consumers will no longer need to be labeled as such.

Many independent consumer groups and food safety advocates strongly oppose the FDA proposal. On its web site the Organic Consumers Asscoiation (OCA) states, "Irradiated fruits and vegetables benefit the packer and grocer, not the farmer or consumer. The consumer receives an inferior product that appears fresh, but has depleted vitamins and enzymes."

Among the concerns of the OCA is research indicating that irradiation increases the number of free radicals in the food and decreases the antioxidant vitamins that "neutralize" them. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging and degenerative diseases like Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's.

To learn more about the OCA's research on irradiated food & alternatives to using irradiation go to: Organic Consumers Association

Comments on the FDA's proposal are due by July 3, 2007. The FDA indicates that comments can be submitted here: U.S. Food & Drug Administration