Part I: Michael Colby, interviewed by Ros Davidson,
Part II: Michael F. Jacobson

In the following viewpoint, Michael Colby and Michael F. Jacobson question whether food irradiation is an appropriate method of preventing food-borne illnesses. In Part I, Colby, the director of Food & Water, an advocacy group that opposes food irradiation, is interviewed by writer Ros Davidson. He argues that irradiation technology is untested and that irradiated foods are potentially hazardous to a person’s health. In Part II, Jacobson contends that irradiation is a costly solution that should only be used as a last resort. Jacobson is president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy organization.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What concerns does Colby express about the FDA’s ability to...