Course:FNH200/Lessons/Lesson 10/Page 10.9
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10.9 Consumer Acceptance
The ultimate factor which will determine the economic viability of preserving foods with ionizing energy is consumer acceptance. In North America, the jury is still out as to whether radiation preserved foods would be accepted by consumers. Results of recent consumer surveys, described under "Consumer acceptance" in the Scientific Status Summary by Smith and Pillai, suggest acceptability rates ranging from 45% to over 90%. However, there are lingering "concerns expressed by anti-irradiation groups", including the use of food irradiation to overcome poor sanitation practices and environmental concerns related to irradiation facilities.