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Food, clothing and shelter are the things that we require above all others, according to Maslow's, "Hierarchy of Needs". I think that we all would agree with that. What comes next? Probably health. And what is a major component of health after hygiene? Food. We need quality foods on a daily basis to nourish our bodies, especially as we age.

So is irradiated food good for us? Why not? One would think that it gets all those nasty germs and harmful microorganisms out of our food and that that is beneficial. Well, not so fast.

Here is some of the current information about irradiated foods that causes my alarm bells to ring:

1. The amount of radiation (acquired from the waste materials of nuclear facilities) given to food is the equivalent of 330 million chest x-rays, which renders the food damaged and free of vital nutrients.

2. In over 1,000 scientific studies on food irradiation, not one concluded it was safe.

3. Many of the animals fed these foods had lower birth weights and growth rates. They also had tumors, kidney damage, impaired immune systems and abnormal blood cells.

4. The only reason the FDA is pushing irradiation so vehemently is because of the filth allowed in all types of food production. An example: many feed lots with tons of animal waste are adjacent to farmland where produce is grown.

5. There are several new forms of bacteria and chemicals that survive the radiation process. These become "super bugs" and science is sure they will contaminate the food supply.

6. There are no long-term studies on what irradiated foods will do to the human body. The longest study lasted 15 weeks.

7. These foods are now everywhere and there is no requirement that they be labeled.

8. The FDA has no apparent interest in protecting our population by telling the food industry to "clean up its act".

What can you do? Buy organic and local foods whenever possible. Take some dietary supplements. Get a freezer and freeze your organic produce for winter months. Talk with your grocer. Find the boxes with the radura symbol or the term "irradiated" on the box and stay away from those products. Write, call, e-mail, blog to anyone who will listen about food safety, especially your Congressmen!

To your health,
Dr. Karen Purcell