Re: Food irradiation---do seeds sprout? Did that denature thefood?

[Magnu96196@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/2/00 5:57:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time, StevenFrey writes:

<< Thus, he implies that he has superior judgment (and therefore, the moral 
highground). The nerve!
 
 Sir, have you even actually tasted irradiated food? I doubt it.
 
 Until you do, your claims about the taste of irradiated foods are without 
merit, and come close to being irresponsible.

======

Good Evening Mr. Fry,

    In expressing an opinion, I don't believe I claimed any special 
superpowers, however, if you wish to think so, be my guest.    It is also 
real common to see opinion ventured on the list, and I have no idea of how 
superior some are, I just look for the common sense.  

    I have tried various spices, which have been allowed to be irradiated for 
some time.   I can say that when I go to the local health food store that 
they do sell spices that do have little labels that specifically 
say---non-irradiated organic.    And, in fact and contrary to you 
overstatement, I have tried both and the non-irradiated ones are more 
flavor-full.   Now that is just my opinion---------you may like the 
other----which is fine-----to each his own.    This is no way means I am an 
organic or holistic food promoter---however-----I am listening to what these 
folks say ---- and looking for the reasons behind it.
  
   I have also tried a few other irradiated foods and even experimented on 
what all the rage is about organic grown foods vs those with fertilizers and 
pesticides----and again, my opionion, is that the organics have more flavor.  
  And they also have lots less unwanted chemicals------from a few toxic 
metals to some fluorine and chlorine pesticides-----which are connected to 
health effects.   Now certainly you don't want me to litter the list with a 
few dozen references about that----to boring.       These  opionions are most 
obvious as just being my observations.    Now certainly, we don't want to get 
into colledge degrees for taste testing.

   Another thing that is noticed is the health food types like to eat 
sprouted seeds and grains, because they think this more beneficial, as the 
vitimin content is seen to rise, acidity change, etc.   One problem with the 
irradiated seeds is they won't sprout, which would tend to say the radiation 
effect killed them.   Logic used there.   This is one more obvious instance 
of a food being harmed by this technique.

    While you may be all for irradiation, there is an entire group of folks 
not so convinced as you that irradiation is all good.     My vote is still 
out-----did you hear me totally put down irradiation-------don't think 
so-----however I did raise some questions.   Irradiation does kill bacteria 
and all kinds of little unwanted organisms in food.  BUT-- What happens if a 
country becomes depended on this technique, how does one go to a third world 
country and eat.    The question, from logic again, then must arise ---- Will 
the widespead use of this hide immune system compromise caused by bad air, 
all kinds of things in the water and food.    How in the world did the human 
race survive all this time without irradiation?   Will we need a personal 
irradiator to travel outside the US to insure we don't get sick from little 
bugs in food?   Is there a thing called the immune system and does it protect 
us from disease-------and can it be compromized by toxic pollution?    Will 
irradiation mask this effect in the society---------and if it 
does------------will that be all good?

   Is that irresponsible to look at both the short and long term effects of 
irradiations or the even the taste effects, or how it impacts the organic 
lifestyles?    Some might call that learning and being open minded.

    One more little thing to think about.   I would guess you would admit 
that UV-b is a form of ionizing radiation.    One of the things doctors are 
becoming more aware of is the effects of UV-b [from fluorescent lighting 
leakage] on PVC IV bags----ie the slight effects of radiolysis breaking down 
the PVC and producing some free chlorine ions that get injected into persons. 
  Some doc's now place light barriers around these IV bags to lessen this 
effect.   Now the same thing comes to mind with food irradiators.   Do they 
first seal up the bag--------then irradiate the food----------this so no air 
contamination gets sealed in with the food?    If so, what are these bags 
made from---------and what kinds of free radicals are induced in the food in 
the long term from this?

   Folks have the right to be fully informed of all the in and outs of 
irradiation, and not just industry PR playing up the good side and losing the 
down side--------there is always a balance.     

    Have you sought a balance?

Jim Phelps, thinking and near Oak Ridge, the toxic superfund site.
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