CBS 11 TV in Dallas reported that David Corbin, an executive at Forth Worth-based Sadex Corporation, recently ate a E. coli-contaminated spinach that had been irradiated.

An FDA spokesman said the agency actively works on petitions by the Food Processors Association to use irradiation for ready-to-eat foods and does not discuss open petitions.

Mr. Corbin’s stunt was designed to create interest in and promote irradiation technology, which effectively eliminates E. coli and other pathogens from food. But the article says it is important to remember that E. coli comes from fecal contamination and irradiated feces is still feces.