WASHINGTON, DC, October 23, 2002 (ENS) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the use of irradiation on fruits and vegetable imports. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued new regulations, effective today, providing for the use of irradiation to control species of fruit flies and the mango seed weevil in imported fruits and vegetables. The agency says irradiation would provide an alternative to current control methods, such as fumigation and cold and heat treatment.
"The irradiation alternative allows importers to sell riper, more valuable fruit, with less damage," USDA said.
The final rule will require additional inspection and monitoring of foreign irradiation facilities. It will also increase the radiation dose required for one pest, the mango seed weevil.
Irradiation exposes food to low doses of electrons or gamma rays to destroy harmful organisms and pests. The process has been endorsed by the World Health Organization, and has been approved by U.S. regulators for use on raw meat, spices and dried seasonings.
Critics of irradiation warn that it may reduce the nutritional value of foods, or leave behind harmful byproducts. Irradiation facilities also create hazardous wastes through their use of radioactive materials.
Under federal law, irradiated foods must carry a label noting that they have been treated with radiation. For irradiated produce, the label may take the form of a sign posted next to a bin of fruit or vegetables.:
