Question

Gamma rays are often used to kill microorganisms in food, in an attempt to make the food safer. Some people contend that this irradiated food is actually less safe to eat. Which, if true, would most effectively dispute their idea?

Answer 1

While treating food with gamma rays kills microorganism by damaging their DNA, the energy of gamma rays rips off electrons from atoms hence ionizing them (causing free radicals). However, gamma rays do not make the food atoms radioactive. The body has a natural mechanism of riding the body of free radicals. However, large quantities of radicals in the body can cause damage.