Food proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
have been found to be relatively stable to
irradiation up to 10 kGy. Minerals have
also been reported to be stable to irradiation.
However, vitamins A, C, E, and B1
(thiamin) tend to be susceptible to irradiation
at doses of 1 kGy or above. However,
these vitamins are also sensitive to heat
processing. The reduction of these vitamins
in foods is minimal and would not create a
risk of deficiency in the diet. A joint committee
of the FAO, WHO, and IAEA claim
that losses of vitamins in foods treated with
irradiation doses of 1 kGy or less are minimal
and compatible with losses of vitamins
in foods heat treated and stored for extended
periods of time. Low- dose irradiation
does not cause a significant decrease in