Australian government approves nuclear irradiation of tomatoes

Submitted by kimk on Wed, 20/03/2013 - 12:50pm

The irradiation of tomatoes & capsicums (bell peppers) has been approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today.

Now, A1069 (the application for the irradiation of tomatoes and capsicums) only requires rubber-stamping from the Ministerial Council. Each state has at least one STATE MP on the Council. Let your local member know that you say NO!!!

More info here: http://brisbane.foe.org.au/content/australian-government-approves-nuclea...

Keywords: 
health
protest
environment
Australia
food
corporate control
Geography: 
Global/International
Australia
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Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 30/04/2013 - 10:55am

Hon John McVeigh MP Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT

Level 8 Primary Industries Building 80 Ann Street Brisbane 4000 GPO Box 46 Brisbane
Reference: eTS 07092113
Queensland 4001 Australia Telephone +61 07 3239 3000 Facsimile +61 07 3211 8199 Email daff@ministerial.qld.gov.au
30 APR 2nl3
Mr xxxxxxxxxx

Dear Mr xxxxxx,
Thank you for your email of 20 March 2013 about the approval of the irradiation of capsicums and tomatoes.
I note your concerns. However, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has determined that the irradiation of tomatoes and capsicum at the doses proposed, that is, from 150 Gray to a maximum dose of 1 kGray, is safe for human consumption, and I am satisfied with FSANZ's determination.
I am therefore supportive of the approval of this application. Irradiation at the approved doses is important as an alternative post-harvest phytosanitary treatment, for example against fruit flies. Permitting the irradiation of tomatoes and capsicums will allow continued and potentially increased domestic and international trade in these products.
If you require any further information regarding this matter, please contact Dr Zena Dinesen, Principal Policy Officer, of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on telephone 07 32396392 or email zena.dinesen@daff.qld.gov.au.
Yours sincerely

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 30/04/2013 - 11:14am

• Irradiation damages the quality of food.

• Science has not proved that a long-term diet of irradiated foods is safe for human health.

• Irradiation covers up problems that the meat and poultry industry should solve

• Labeling--a public policy decision unrelated to science--is necessary to inform people so they can choose to avoid irradiated foods.

• Electron-beam irradiation today means nuclear irradiation tomorrow.

• Irradiation using radioactive materials is an environmental hazard.

• Irradiation doesn't provide clean food.

• Irradiation does nothing to change the way food is grown and produced.

Sources for each statement at http://www.gaia-health.com/articles51/000051-OCA-Reference.pdf