Radiation could make fruits and vegetables safer

Dr. Sean Kenniff, CBS News

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Apr 11, 2008 at 1:14 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 11, 2008 at 1:16 PM EST

(CBS) — Every year e-coli and salmonella make thousands of people sick. Now researchers think they have a solution.

Government scientists believe a form of radiation can make our fruits and vegetables safer.

Two years ago bagged spinach was linked to a deadly e-coli outbreak. Since then, the government has been looking for ways to kill the bacteria.

It says zapping produce with gamma rays is much better than the current best protection — washing fruits and vegetables.

“It kills the bacteria, makes it so they're not able to produce and not able to make you sick,” explained microbiologist Dr. Brendan Niemira.

“If it's a choice between traditional washing and irradiation, maybe I'll go for traditional washing,” said one shopper.

And that's a problem — even though research shows the process is safe, public acceptance will be problem. Many people don't want to eat produce exposed to radiation, and over-zapping could reduce vitamins and nutrients.

The FDA must still approve the process.

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