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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