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IP: irradiated food dangers [boosting organics] (citizen.org)
From: David Farber <dave () farber net>
Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2001 20:50:56 -0500
Public Citizen is a Ralph Nader organization with a good but controversial reputation djf
Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2001 17:23:16 -0800 From: To: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu> Subject: irradiated food dangers [boosting organics] (citizen.org) FDA Ignoring Evidence that New Chemicals Created in Irradiated Food Could Be Harmful The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ignored growing evidence that a new class of chemicals formed when food is irradiated could be harmful, according to a report released today by Public Citizen and the Center for Food Safety. The groups are urging the FDA to refrain from legalizing irradiation for any additional types of food until the new chemicals are tested for safety. The chemicals, called cyclobutanones, do not occur naturally anywhere on Earth. They recently were found to cause genetic damage in rats, and genetic and cellular damage in human and rat cells. The groups' report, Hidden Harm, details how the FDA has ignored this unique class of chemicals, which are created in many irradiated foods that the agency has legalized for sale in this country -- including beef, pork, chicken, lamb, eggs, mangoes and papayas. It is expected that cyclobutanones also would be formed in many other foods the FDA is currently considering to legalize for irradiation. The organizations today also released a sworn affidavit of toxicologist William Au, who was retained by the groups to independently review the risks posed by cyclobutanones and other chemicals formed by irradiation that could cause genetic damage. Along with a letter outlining numerous health concerns caused by food irradiation, the groups filed Hidden Harm and Au's affidavit with the FDA to oppose pending petitions to legalize irradiation for processed foods, which comprise 37 percent of the typical American's diet; molluscan shellfish, such as clams and oysters; crustacean shellfish, such as lobsters and shrimp; and meat products. A fifth petition seeks to double the maximum dose of radiation to which poultry can legally be exposed. "The risk that the FDA is taking with the health of the American people cannot be overstated," said Wenonah Hauter, director of Public Citizen's Critical Mass Energy and Environment Program. "If government officials knowingly allow people to eat food that contains these chemicals, they are courting a major public health disaster."
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Hidden Harm can be viewed at http://www.citizen.org/documents/HiddenHarm_-_PDF.pdf. Au's affidavit is available at http://www.citizen.org/cmep/foodsafety/food_irrad/articles.cfm?ID=6516
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- IP: irradiated food dangers [boosting organics] (citizen.org) David Farber (Dec 28)