Health Canada to call for approval of irradiated meat (August 24/04)
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The item "Health Canada to call for approval of irradiated meat" (August
24/04) states irradiation has been used for many years on wheat, flour,
potatoes, onions, spices and dehydrated seasonings, among other things.
This seems to imply that these foods are currently in the market place. If
such is the case this is a violation of labelling law and citizens' right
to know.
Since the issue of food irradiation was raised in the 1980's Health Canada
has consistently failed to furnish even one independent time trend study
published in a peer reviewed journal that conclusively demonstrates long
term consumption of irradiated food is safe. What evidence has emerged is
that irradiation induces depletion of nutrients such as vitamins B, C and E.
Additionally, irradiation creates residues of highly oxidative molecules
known as unique radiolytic products (URP's) or free radicals. Such reactive
molecules increase the need for anti oxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, E
and Beta Carotene. How ironic Health Canada is promoting a process that is
nutrient destructive while at the same time this agency is implementing
regulations that will restrict the availability and lower the potencies of
these vital factors.
E. Coli contamination of meat and other problems in food processing has
everything to do with the failure of Health Canada and Agriculture Canada
to force the meat industry to clean up its act. From the feedlot to the
abattoir to the meat counter - sanitation is being sacrificed in the
interest of productivity and profit.
Regardless of government assurances that consumption of irradiated meat is
safe - the fact remains irradiated fecal matter is still fecal matter.
Croft Woodruff
6417 Fraser Street
Vancouver BC V5W 3A6
604 324 2121
