Environmentalists Warn About Newly Discovered Food Threat: Induced Mutation via Irradiation

Environmental and consumer groups are calling for a ban on food
products containing hybrid plants that have been developed by induced
mutation via irradiation. The practice, revealed by a United Nations
International Atomic Energy Agency report, notes that since 1963,
2,252 plant varieties, including Italian durum wheat, have been
created using radioactive substances such as cobalt and X-rays. The
report says, “mutations today cover 70 percent of the area under
cultivation.”

Jane Rissler of the Union of Concerned Scientists told Reuters,
“Radiation can affect a plant's entire genome. Compared to these
plants, genetically modified food is about as dangerous as a
one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest."

Reuters reports that mutation breeding has been used on wheat,
barley, oats, rice, soybeans, string beans, navy beans, potatoes,
onions, cherries, apples, grapes and numerous other plant types for
disease resistance and improved quality, yield and adaptability. If
the proposed ban ever does come into effect, virtually every product
found on supermarket shelves will not be fit for sale.
N Bus Journal 5-10-01

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