Jim Thompson wrote:

On 19 Jun 2005 09:49:37 -0700, wrote:


It may not sound like a serious question, but it is.

Can one sterilise food using a beta emitter? I assume alpha would not
have the necessary penetrating power. Where could one get such beta
emitter, if anywhere?

Or might xrays be better?

Wasn't this found to be detrimental to humans many years ago?
Quite how it would affect us second hand, I have no idea.

The application is to extend food storage times in 3rd world countries,
and reduce bacterial contamination.

A good idea.

It's already being done here in the U.S., at least for military meals.
Seal in plastic, then irradiate.

I don't know what type of radiation is being used.

Typical! Would you stand for local nuclear radiation? It might be used
to stop men from fathering any new children.

Of course it's being resisted for use in public consumption by the
loonie greenies, but it's certainly the correct answer for food
preservation AND stopping food-borne illness.

Try buying fresh, local organic foods (if they exist there) and you will
change your mind.

I sometimes think there should be a bounty offered for loonie
greenies, after all they ARE a terrorist group ;-)

Not as dangerous as the loonies that accept change that the chem-co's
want to impose on our foods. GM crops are not natural and the US will
never change the UK mind.

Dave