Two flavors, Classic Italian and Black Peppercorn, are currently being tested and sold in the stores. New Meat Safety Measures FDA Approves Irradiation for Beef The Food and Drug Administration recently approved an important food safety tool for the beef industry. On Dec. 2, the FDA approved a petition to make safe irradiation dosage levels for various forms of frozen and fresh beef and pork available to meat processors. N.D. Irradiation, also known as cold pasteurization, can destroy harmful bacteria on food without compromising the flavor or nutritional value of the product. Safety tools such as steam vaccum systems, govenment inspection and regulations and irradiation, coupled with proper handling and cooking, reduce risk of foodborne illnesses associated with beef to essentially zero.
Consumers seem to approve.
The U.S. government, such as the American Medical Association, the American Dietetic Association and the World Health Organization, as well as the health authorities of nearly 40 countries also support the use of this technology. The next step is for the USDA to establish regulations for beef processors, and then processors decide how or if to implement the technology. Beef industry leaders say it will be a while before consumers are likely to see irradiated beef in retail stores. In the New Year, U.S. meat and processing plants will continue to implement a new federal food safety program to ensure meat safety. Consumers show they are in favor of the new system.