LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — Hearing “radioactivity in food” sounds scary, but the key is scale. However, there are much higher risks to farm families where we live and work: indoor radon. Compared with these ever-present sources, the contribution from foods is trivial.
Many foods contain trace amounts of naturally occurring radionuclides—most notably bananas and Brazil nuts—yet these levels are so low that they pose no health risk.
Radon is often the most significant routine exposure to radioactive material in many homes, particularly in basements and older farmhouses. You also receive radiation from cosmic rays (higher at elevation and when flying), natural radiation in soil and building materials, and the potassium that all human bodies carry.
Federal safeguards provide an additional layer of protection. FDA routinely monitors and enforces strict limits on foods, and the EPA provides clear guidance during any radiological event.
Do not confuse natural radioactivity with food irradiation—a safety step that kills bacteria and does not make food radioactive. Outside of an emergency, no special food actions are needed; the most practical step for rural households is to test for radon and follow local guidance if levels are high.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Focus on home radon testing—not changing diets—because background sources dwarf any exposure from naturally radioactive foods.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
·
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.
January 07, 2026 02:16 PM
·
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
January 07, 2026 11:55 AM
As the new year begins, both farmers and rural families are taking stock of their finances and planning ahead for 2026.
January 06, 2026 03:23 PM
·
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.
December 22, 2025 01:38 PM
·
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
December 15, 2025 12:15 PM
·
Western Caucus member Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) details the SPEED Act on Champions of Rural America. The legislation aims to reform NEPA, streamline permitting, and expand domestic energy development.
December 12, 2025 03:58 PM
·
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins signed six MAHA waivers for SNAP in Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
December 10, 2025 02:25 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined Rural Health Matters to outline a few key reminders for parents about keeping kids healthy during the holiday season.
December 10, 2025 02:17 PM
·
