The FDA has approved irradiating fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce, so, beginning on Friday, producers can legally zap the produce with beams of radiation in order kill harmful bacteria.

The Sadex Corporation has been pushing for irradiation in produce for months. In fact, the Sadex plant in Sioux City, Iowa, has been testing bags of spinach for more than a year.

The irradiation process is accomplished by sending products down a conveyer belt and into a special room where they are zapped with two electron beams that expose the produce to low levels of radiation. According to the FDA, the radiation effectively kills nearly all kinds of harmful bacteria.

Elaine Ostrem says she likes the idea of irradiating lettuce if it means she doesn't have to worry about things like E. coli or Salmonella.

"I'm leaning favorably toward it," Ostrem said. "Yes."

The FDA approved irradiation in beef years ago, saying the small amount of radiation is harmless to humans, but you won't find the beef on many store shelves. Many grocers pulled the product because it didn't sell well. Sadex president Harlan Clemmons says that's because many people opt to kill bacteria in beef through proper cooking, but if you prefer raw produce that's not something you can do.

"Fresh produce, the only option is to irradiate the product," Clemmons said. "There's no way to get rid of that pathogen."

Prior to the FDA's approval, one concern was that irradiation would actually change the physical composure of spinach or lettuce, but after testing many levels of radiation, the people at Sadex are confident you won't be able to tell the difference. Sadex even took it's case to Washington D.C., encouraging members of congress to taste-test the greens. In order to prove his point, Clemmons is willing to taste the irradiated produce in front of anyone.

"It's crunchy," Clemmons said. "It tastes good, no off flavors... It's good. Want a bite?"

Now that the FDA has approved it, Elaine Ostrem says she might be willing to take a bite some time soon.

"If it hasn't caused problems, I don't know, I'd think it'd be okay," Ostrem said. "I don't think I'd be afraid of it."

The FDA approval only applies to fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce, but other produce like tomatoes and peppers are also being considered. Local grocers tell KSFY that it is too early to tell if they will carry any irradiated produce.