Radioactivity in Food

Eight or ten years ago the risks which the population might experience from the contamination of foodstuffs with radioactivity were frequently mentioned in the press. Lately there has been little comment on this subject. This is due partly, but by no means entirely, to the suspension of nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere which led to a reduction in environmental contamination. Another, and important, reason is that many of the earlier fears were excessive. A discussion of this question may help us to see in better perspective the true nature of the problems which the peaceful uses of atomic energy might create and the attention they deserve if we are to safeguard our environment while at the same time meeting the needs of an increasing world population.