Washington, DC School Board Resolution Prohibiting the Use of Irradiated Food

Washington, DC, US

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Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted on 5/19/04

Source File: http://www.k12.dc.us/boe/Documents/resolutions/2004/R04-36%20%20Banning%20Irradiated%20Meat.pdf

Text:

RESOLUTION R04-36
MEMBERS OF THE D.C. BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESENT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION RESOLUTION PROHIBITING THE USE OF IRRADIATED FOOD

WHEREAS, On May 29, 2003, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that irradiated meat may, for the first time, be used by local school districts in their federally subsidized lunch program, and the USDA indicated that districts will be able to, but not mandated to, purchase irradiated meat as of January 2004;

WHEREAS, although the sale of irradiated meat has been available to the general public since 1999, only now has it been permitted in our public school meals programs;

WHEREAS, there have been no comprehensive long term studies done on humans regarding the health effects associated with the consumption of irradiated foods as a regular part of their diet;

WHEREAS, there is a significant body of research that indicates young children are the most susceptible population to cumulative toxins, additives, and chemical/radioactive processes, and there is still controversy and debate in the medical and scientific communities as to acceptable levels of radiation and long-term effects of radiation on food products;

WHEREAS, cooking meat to 160 degrees Fahrenheit kills all of the bacteria that irradiation does, and also kills bacteria that may have contaminated meat through improper handling and storage, which irradiation will not destroy;

WHEREAS, the D.C. Board of Education to committed to providing nutritious and unadulterated foods to our students as health has a fundamental effect on an individual’s ability to learn;

BE IT RESOLVED, that the District of Columbia Board of Education prohibits the use of any and all irradiated food products in our Food Services breakfast, lunch, and snack programs at all DCPS schools.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the District of Columbia Board of Education shall conduct public hearings on this matter at such time as the Food Services Department wishes to consider the use of such foods and prior to entering into any contracts to purchase or use irradiated foods;

BE IT RESOLVED, that the District of Columbia Board of Education will review this policy in five (5) years to reassess the health concerns that exist around the consumption of irradiated foods.