Media coverage of food irradiation
2003
Thomsen, Michael R. | Longstreth, Molly | Miller, Jefferson D.
Mass media are the conduit through which potential consumers are most likely to hear about food irradiation. Furthermore, news media influence opinion by identifying issues of prominence and otherwise framing debate on topics of public importance. This study summarizes the content of mainstream newspaper, television, and radio stories that addressed food irradiation from January 1991 to June 2001. Results suggest that in aggregate, coverage has been balanced, if not positive, towards the technology. That irradiation is a means of controlling harmful microorganisms in foods was the most frequent idea that came across in news stories. This finding is likely due in part to coverage of the regulatory approval process for use of irradiation to control pathogens in poultry and meats and in part to coverage of high profile outbreaks and recalls involving microbiological contaminants. Concerns about irradiation, while varied, reinforced the idea that the technology is controversial. Statements in the media that directly questioned the safety of irradiation or its effects on foods were less common and were frequently found in conjunction with counter statements. News coverage of irradiation focused more on the benefits and concerns of the technology than on the technical aspects of food irradiation and its uses.
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