What's Next? The Case For (and Against) Irradiation technology

摘要

It can prevent food-borne illness and death; and, perhaps, radically alter the food processing Industry. But a jittery public, some bad press and nagging questions create a few bumps for the business of irradiation. The U. S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta estimates that each year 5,200 people die from food-related illnesses. Another 323,000 people are hospitalized. And a staggering 76 million others become ill from bacteria-contaminated food. The economic toll of food borne illness is excruciatingly high. According to its calculations, the CDC says food-borne illnesses cost USD6.7 billion annually in lost work and hospitalizations. It's a hefty price tag and, according to some, an unnecessary expense in terms of economic and human toll.