The U.S. government has given its stamp of approval to irradiation as a way of killing food-borne bacteria, germs, and parasites. If irradiated food is considered safe enough to give to immune-compromised patients in hospitals and astronauts in space, why is the practice of food irradiation so controversial? This program offers a balanced look at this important method of food purification as it explains how X-rays, electron beams, and gamma radiation are used to sterilize food; identifies watchdog groups - the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, and others - that keep an eye on the effectiveness and safety of irradiation technology; and presents the concerns of food irradiation opponents. Which side of the debate are your students on? This video will definitely help them decide. Correlates to the Health National Standards from the Joint Committee for National School Health Education and the American Cancer Society and the National Content Standards for Health according to the American School Health Association.