irradiation
surplus elements from the manufacture of atomic bombs now threaten another “magical” process, preserving food by irradiating it. Should irradiation fall through, will have to be disposed by manufacturer at great expense. repetition of such public “boons” as chlorination of water after World War I and nitrate fertilizers after World War II.
Nitrogen and nitrates were key ingredients in the manufacture of bombs and shells. leftover chlorine to communities into their water, the outlet for nitrates was the food chain, as fertilizer.
first food irradiation in occupied West Germany in 1957 to sterilize spices. The results were so disturbing the West German government was forced to ban it in 1958.…In 1963 the FDA gave permission for irradiation to sterilize bacon; rescinded in 1968.
Those who don’t know their history probably haven’t stopped living it.
irradiation
Sunday, February 19, 2006
