Answer:

Food irradiation is a process used to increase the shelf life of food or to make it safer for consumption by eliminating harmful pathogens. It is a way of using ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or electron beams, to expose food to bursts. Here are some facts about food irradiation that can help you understand its benefits:

Fact 1: Irradiated Food is Not Radioactive

It is a common misconception that food that has been irradiated is radioactive. However, this is not the case. The process of irradiation does not leave the food with any radioactive residue – it only affects the structure of the food, such as the chemical composition and texture.

Fact 2: Irradiation Can Destroy Pathogens in Food

Ionizing radiation can be used to effectively destroy certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in food. This can make food that has been irradiated much safer for consumption than food that has not been irradiated.

Fact 3: Irradiation Can Increase Shelf Life

Food irradiation can also be used to extend the shelf life of certain food items, such as fruits and vegetables. This can help to reduce spoilage and help reduce food waste.

Fact 4: Irradiation Does Not Significantly Alter Taste or Nutritional Value

The process of irradiation does not significantly alter the taste or nutritional value of the food. However, it can cause some changes to the texture of the food, such as making it softer or more firm.

Conclusion

Food irradiation is a safe and effective way to make food safer for consumption and to increase its shelf life. It does not leave any radioactive residue on the food and does not significantly alter the taste or nutritional value. With all these facts in mind, it is clear that the statement, “irradiated food is radioactive,” is not true.