It is unfortunate that scientific facts are typically/often NOT considered when public policies and government decisions are made.  Falses "facts" and scare tactics are used by well-meaning, but scientifically ignorant people, which results in scientifically erroneous decisions, poor policiy decisions, and potentially destructive regulatory actions.  Food irradiation is a perfect example of disingenuous scare tactics resulting in terrible policy and regulatory decisions.   Because of the lack of basic knowledge in the nuclear field, the lack of the use of irradiation resuls in increased illnesses and fatalities!

Scare groups, who are NOT staffed with QUALIFIED scientists,  fail to recognize that there are numerous types of radiation; Alpha (Helium nucleus), Beta (Electron), Neutron, and Electro-Magnetic (Gamma, X-ray, Light, etc.)   Food is irradiated with Electro-Magnetic radiation which has NO residual effects and is perfectly safe for the workers and consumers.  All of the concerns that the scare groups raised on the show were FALSE.  (What are the qualifications of the lady that was running that scare group?) 

It is unfortunate that the media often recognizes the erroneous claims of the non-scientists and ignores the input of REAL scientists. Throughout my career, this was a constant frustration for me.  Even though I completed three engineering degrees with nearly perfect grades (Including Stanford Engineering Graduate School!), a tremendous amount of post graduate training (at the TOP of my class at all times and for all of my degrees), and a extremely successful career in engineering research, the media preferred the sensationalism of the ignorant scare groups over the factual information from qualified engineering professionals.  The net result is suffering and death.

With the types of radiation used on food, there is NO residual radiation, NO radioactive waste, and no residual health hazards.  The issues raised by 20/20 against the scare groups were perfectly legitimate.  There is NO reduction is "taste"or other negative effects on the food or the workers.  Food that is treated is perfectly safe to eat for extended periods of time!  As we have migrated to corporate farms, it is literally impossible to ensure the safety of the food without irradiation!  I sincerely hope that you continue to report the truth as opposed to pseudo-science as MOST media outlets report.