You know food has been irradiated primarily through labeling: look for the green Radura symbol (a plant inside a broken circle) and text like “Treated with Radiation” or “Treated by Irradiation” on the packaging or near bulk items like fruits and vegetables. While some scientific testing methods exist (like Electron Paramagnetic Resonance), they’re for labs, not consumers; the mandatory label is the key for shoppers.
What to Look For:
– The Radura Logo: A green symbol with a plant inside a circle, often with dashed lines for rays.
– Descriptive Text: Phrases such as “Treated with Radiation,” “Treated by Irradiation,” or simply “Irradiated”.
Where to Find It:
– Packaged Foods: The symbol and statement must appear on the label.
– Bulk Produce: A label must be placed next to the container in stores.
– Restaurants & Multi-Ingredient Foods: Labeling might not be required for foods served in restaurants or in complex products like spices where irradiation is applied to a small ingredient.
Why It’s Important:
Safety: Irradiation doesn’t make food radioactive; it’s a process similar to pasteurization to kill microbes, but labeling helps consumers make informed choices.
In summary, check the packaging for the specific Radura symbol and text to identify irradiated products.