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.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
September 08, 2025 12:00 PM
·
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
September 08, 2025 11:47 AM
·
Raising crops requires hard work and dedication, and the same can be said for raising a child. In Virginia, a group of moms is leading the way in combining nurturing with farming.
September 04, 2025 02:31 PM
·
Mike Formica with the National Pork Producers Council joined us on Market Day Report with his reaction to the EPA’s rollback of a Biden-era wastewater discharge mitigation plan.
September 04, 2025 01:41 PM
·
September 02, 2025 12:01 PM
Wed, 9/17/25 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
August 28, 2025 11:00 AM
·
This special program, presented in partnership with Nationwide Agribusiness, premieres on Monday, Sept. 1, at 6 PM ET, only on RFD-TV and RFD-TV Now.
August 27, 2025 04:02 PM
· FarmHER
Make the most of your Social Security benefits! Join us to explore eligibility requirements, when to file, and helpful tools like the AARP Social Security Resource Center.
August 18, 2025 03:44 PM
·
