Nutrition & Wellness – Biology 50

Irradiating Spinach and Iceberg Lettuce to “Zap” Bacteria and Extend Shelf Life

September 3, 2008

On August 22, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a final rule that allows the use of irradiation to make fresh iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach safer and last longer without spoiling.

The FDA ruling allows spinach and lettuce sellers to take an extra step, a long-awaited move amid increasing illness outbreaks caused by raw produce.

Irradiation has been shown to kill E. coli, salmonella and listeria and lengthen shelf life, without compromising the safety, texture or nutrient value of raw spinach and iceberg lettuce.

The FDA is reassuring the public that the process will not make food any less appealing or less healthful than non-irradiated varieties.

For More information see the FDA’s website or download a Printer-Friendly PDF File.

Sources:

FDA. Irradiation: A Safe Measure for Safer Iceberg Lettuce and Spinach. Also Image Source.

Associated Press. August 22, 2008. FDA approves irradiating spinach, lettuce to kill germs. LA Times.

Associated Press. August 21, 2008. FDA: Irradiated spinach, lettuce OK to kill germs.

Entry Filed under: Articles, Health, Nutrition, Nutrition News. Tags: FDA, Food and Drug Administration, Lettuce Irradiation, Safe Food Practices, Spinach Irradiation.