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Trustee Archive
Irradiation is a process in which x-rays or gamma rays are passed through food to kill insects and microbial contaminants. Despite an absence of testing, including any low-level testing, our FDA approved the use of irradiation technology for most of the foods we consume. These foods not only include herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables, but also wheat, beef, lamb, pork and poultry. Experts agree that irradiation causes food to lose nutrients. European studies have found chemical byproducts in irradiated ground beef and other foods that may increase the risk of colon cancer and cause DNA damage in human cells. Although federal law requires labeling of irradiated foods, currently restaurants are not required to do so. Advocates say labeling should be required for irradiated ingredients of compound foods as well as for restaurant and institutional foods.
Irradiation proponents say this technology helps make our food safer, lessens waste and reduces the use of pesticides.
Opponents warn of harmful changes at the molecular level of food that is subjected to irradiation. They claim this technology is often used by our food processing industry to compensate for their own deficiencies. They say irradiation is used to control fecal contamination in meat and to prolong the marketing life of vegetables and produce. They seek long-term exposure studies and insist on a consumer’s right to know if food has undergone this treatment.
Proposed Legislation: H.R.3120 Right to Know School Nutrition Act (108th Congress 2003-2004)
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Lee (CA) |
- I oppose reforming current food irradiation policy, and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA) .
- I support mandatory labeling of all irradiated food served or purchased, including irradiated ingredients used in compound foods, and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Barbara Lee (CA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
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| Winning Option
»» No issues were voted |
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I support mandatory labeling of all irradiated food served or purchased, including irradiated ingredients used in compound foods, and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Barbara Lee (CA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
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- Representative
If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Rep. Barbara Lee (CA) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting her to favorably consider either reintroducing H.R.3120 - Right to Know School Nutrition Act (108th Congress, 2003-2004), or a similar version thereof.
- Center for Food Safety
If elected as a trustee, Center for Food Safety will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to publicize the harmful effects of food irradiation and to advocate for requiring irradiated foods to be labeled as such.
Center for Food Safety's mission is to empower people, support farmers, and protect the earth from the harmful impacts of industrial agriculture. Through groundbreaking legal, scientific, and grassroots action, we protect and promote your right to safe food and the environment. CFS's successful legal cases collectively represent a landmark body of case law on food and agricultural issues. Center for Food Safety works to ensure and improve aquaculture oversight, furthering policy and cultural dialogue with regulatory agencies, consumers, chefs, grocers, fish retailers and legislators on the critical need to protect public health and the environment from industrial aquaculture.
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- No trustee votes received.
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| Poll Opening Date |
February 06, 2023 |
| Poll Closing Date |
February 12, 2023 |
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