Radiation and food

Press, 31 May 1985, Page 16

Radiation and food

Sir,—Regarding the article, ‘Green light for radiation-pre-

served foods” in today’s “Press” (May 16), which of our food products are currently treated by irradiation? Where is this carried out? Does it have to be noted on labels?—Yours, etc., LORNA ANKER. May 16, 1985.

[The District Medical Officer of Health, Dr W. A. Malpress, replies: “I must point out that the article referred to, ‘Green light for radiation preserved foods’ (‘The Press,’ May 16), related specifically to the irradiation of foods in Britain. The Department of Health (New Zealand) considers that irradiation is a ‘safe’ means of processing and treating foods, although we would be guided by the recommendations of the joint expert F.A.0./W.H.O. committee on the ‘Wholesomeness of Irradiated Foods.’ However, I would not like to see irradiation of food as being a means of compensating or correcting poor foodhandling techniques. At present there is only one New Zealand company capable of undertaking this process, and although this unit has been specifically designed and used for the sterilisation of medical supplies, it has been used for the treatment of a trial shipment of imported spices. I understand that these spices were intended for use as an ingredient food. The Food Act, 1984, also prohibits the sale of any food that has been irradiated, unless the treatment for that food has received the express approval of the Minister of Health. The question of labelling irradiated food is still under review, and the department is looking at amending the. existing regulations to cover this point, particularly as there is a possibility that such foods could be imported.”]