From the Des Moines Register

10/30/02
Deluded by science

We frequently hear politicians use the terms"sound science"
and"science-based" when promoting biotechnology. This incorrectly assumes
that science can provide definitive data that can make policy decisions on
biotech issues straightforward. We should not delude ourselves into thinking
that we can definitively grow pharmaceutical corn in Iowa without another
StarLink-type disaster, or worse.

Francis Thicke
Fairfield.

11/1/02
Prevent meat contamination at the source

On Oct. 16, just two days after the largest meat recall in America history,
the Register announced the arrival of irradiated meat at grocery stores in
the area ("Irradiated Meat Debuts at Hy-Vee").

The article stated"shoppers' feelings are mixed on the process, where the
beef is zapped with an electronic beam to kill harmful bacteria."
Unfortunately, the article did not fully explain why many shoppers who worry
about the harmful effects of meat irradiation would prefer that
slaughterhouses prevent meat contamination at the source.

Consumers worry about the heath effects of meat irradiation because no
long-term studies have been done to determine how eating irradiated food will
affect human health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration legalized food
irradiation while relying on laboratory research that did not meet modern
scientific protocols, which federal law also requires.

Research dating to the 1950s has revealed a wide range of problems in animals
that ate irradiated food. Contrary to the assertion often made by the food
industry that irradiation kills only harmful bacteria, irradiation actually
disrupts the chemical composition of everything in its path.

Irradiation also tends to mask and encourage filthy conditions in
slaughterhouses and food-processing plants. While irradiation can kill most
bacteria in food, it does nothing to remove the feces, urine, pus and vomit
that often contaminate beef, pork, chicken and other meat. This masking
effect removes any incentive for agribusiness corporations to ensure their
slaughterhouses and food-processing plants observe sanitary techniques.

Erin E. Jordahl
director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club,
Des Moines.



Erin E. Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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