ALL IRRADIATED PRODUCTS MUST BE LABELLED

Dear

RE: Pets lives endangered by unlabelled irradiated pet foods.

Recently illness and deaths of numerous cats and dogs in Australia and overseas have been linked to the irradiation of pet food. Animals have developed neurological disorders and some have died as a result of eating Orijen pet food, irradiated in on its arrival in Australia from Canada. We are calling for more conmprehensive labelling of irradiated products and the inclusion of pet foods under the gambit of the food standards.

I am writing to you to express my concern that irradiated products are being marketed to the general public without clear, comprehensive and understandable labelling. As a member of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Ministerial Council, you have the power to rectify the situation by calling for a review of and amendments to existing food regulations.

Numerous scientific reports have shown that irradiation can change the molecular structure of food, forming toxic chemicals which have been linked to genetic damage, vitamin deficiency, immune system disorders, tumours, stunted growth and reproductive problems. Furthermore, many people have sensitivities to chemical changes in food, which may occur through irradiation. Considering the potential risks of irradiated food, I believe it is my right to know which products have been irradiated.

The problem: Current labelling laws make it difficult for me to discern which products are irradiated and which are not.

For example: Labelling language is confusing: Irradiation labelling does not require the use of the words "radiation" or "irradiation" but allows an unfamiliar, and in some cases inaccurate, statement: "ionising electrons". Neither the US, Canada nor UK allow this statement.

A positive statement about irradiation is allowed, with no requirement for warning about potential harmful impacts of consuming irradiated food. Fruit and non-packaged irradiated products are not individually labelled. The only requirement is to have a sign nearby - a system which has been proven to be faulty. Many irradiated products, such as therapeutic goods and pet food, are exempt from labelling as they are not classified as "food".

Non-biased comprehensive labelling is necessary to allow me to make an informed choice.

The solution: The following should be mandatory for all irradiated products entering the food chain:

• Labelling language should be understandable to the general public. All irradiated products must be clearly marked "irradiated" or "treated with radiation" as is the case in other English-speaking countries. The use of the statement "treated with ionising electrons" must be stopped.
• Labelling should be clearly visible. Irradiation statements should be printed so they are easily readable, distinguishable from other text on a package and easily accessible. Non-packaged irradiated products, such as fruit, must be individually labelled.
• Labelling must be comprehensive. All products that enter the human food chain must be labelled. This includes: a) all products that contain an irradiated ingredient and b) products that are wholly irradiated, and c) products currently exempt from labelling - such as therapeutic goods.
• Labelling should be non-biased. No statement regarding the claimed benefits of irradiation should be allowed. Potential detrimental effects to human health should be included on the labelling.

These simple standards would enable me to clearly distinguish between irradiated and non-irradiated products and to make informed choices about what I eat and feed my family. I call on you to guarantee my right to chose by putting these mandatory standards in place.

Sincerely,

Signature:__________________________Name: ___________________________Date: __________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________