When Food Is Irradiated with Gamma Rays from a Cobalt-60

question 110

Multiple Choice

When food is irradiated with gamma rays from a cobalt-60 source,does the food become radioactive? Why?

• A)Yes.This is why irradiation with cobalt-60 is no longer approved by the FDA.
• B)Yes.However,the radioactivity resulting is well below the danger level established by the FDA.
• C)No.The gamma rays do not have sufficient energy to initiate the nuclear reaction in the atoms of the food.
• D)Yes and No.Although the gamma rays initiate the nuclear reaction the radioactivity does not show up until the food is ingested.