Irradiated herbs and spices from Asia?
Sales of unlabelled irradiated foods at European Union stores have nearly tripled, and the reason is unregulated imports from Asia. A number of concerned NGOs including ASECO, Les Amis de la Terre and Food & Water Watch Europe have urged the European Parliament to take steps to protect consumers from exposure to unlabelled irradiated foods, and to ensure the strict enforcement of all relevant labeling and import regulations.
In 2002 the European Parliament voted against expanding the list of foods – herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings – that can be irradiated in the EU. The European Parliament based its vote on concerns about the safety and wholesomeness of irradiated foods, including the potential long-term health effects of consuming these products.
Consumers Union of Japan has campaigned against food irradiation in Japan, and basically been successful. See the CUJ newsletter, Japan Resources No. 138, for more information.
Having said that, I wonder how much of the "unregulated imports from Asia" we are getting in Japan. If the producers can't keep their herbs and spices clean, then irradiation is not the solution.
In 2002 the European Parliament voted against expanding the list of foods – herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings – that can be irradiated in the EU. The European Parliament based its vote on concerns about the safety and wholesomeness of irradiated foods, including the potential long-term health effects of consuming these products.
Consumers Union of Japan has campaigned against food irradiation in Japan, and basically been successful. See the CUJ newsletter, Japan Resources No. 138, for more information.
Having said that, I wonder how much of the "unregulated imports from Asia" we are getting in Japan. If the producers can't keep their herbs and spices clean, then irradiation is not the solution.
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