Sept. 12, 2002 Action Alert: Tell Champps Not to Sell Irradiated Meat Champps Restaurants, a nationwide chain of 'upscale casual dining' restaurants, is planning to sell irradiated burgers. Their website claims, "Champps presents an exciting environment through the use of videos, music, sports and promotions." Let's make it exciting at corporate HQ when they hear that the public rejects this unproven, feces-masking technology. Call the corporate office at 800-461-5965 (ask for customer service). Send an email to Champps customer service. Send a sample letter (below). Sample letter: Date: Bill Baumhauer, Chairman, CEO and President Champps Entertainment, Inc. 5619 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000 Englewood, CO 80111 Dear Mr. Baumhauer: As a customer of Champps, I am surprised that Champps is planning to sell irradiated burgers. Irradiation masks contamination by E. coli and other bacteria. It doesn't sterilize the meat, which still must be fully cooked to be safe. Irradiation disrupts the chemical composition of many chemicals and molecules in its path - not just harmful bacteria. Hundreds of new chemicals are formed by irradiation, including chemicals known and suspected to cause cancer and birth defects. One irradiation by-product, called 2-DCB, which has never been found to occur naturally in any food, was recently found to promote cancer development in rats, and cause genetic damage in human cells. I am disappointed that Champps is compromising its high-quality image by adopting a technology that masks fecal contamination and provides fake-fresh, nutrient-depleted food. I won't be eating burgers at Champps from now on. Sincerely, Name and address