Consumer advocate: In some countries, certain produce is routinely irradiated with gamma rays in order to extend shelf life  There are, however, good reasons to avoid irradiated foods  First, they are exposed to the radioactive substances that produce the gamma rays  Second, irradiation can reduce the vitamin content of fresh foods, leaving behind harmful chemical residues
Third, irradiation spawns unique radiolytic products that cause serious health problems, including cancer
A study showed that irradiation leaves the vitamin content of virtually all fruits and vegetables unchanged.