I did a phone-in interview with Sun TV (Toronto) yesterday which focused on what we can learn from the outbreak and what consumers could do to protect themselves.  Irradiation seems to be coming up a lot in coverage and interviews that we are doing, likely fueled by the FDA’s announcement to allow the irradiation of certain ready-to-eat leafy greens and Health Canada’s Jeff Farber saying that the government is considering approving the irradiation of meats early next year.  Irradiation has been approved for certain specific single-ingredient meats (like ground beef) in the U.S. since 1997, with the USDA approving it’s commercial use in 1999 though it’s use in deli meats is not currently approved. Last night I said that irradiation is a tool that can be used to reduce risk and impact public health, but by no means is a magic bullet in pathogen control.

The best part of the interview wasn’t the content (YouTube vid below) but was my huge head appearing over Janette Luu’s shoulder as if I was going to eat her (right, exactly as shown).  Janette, probably sensing some impending doom appears to be leaning away from my picture as well. 

Below is the original pic where the headshot came from.  I think it is less creepy.