Irradiation has been embraced by some experts as an efficient way to kill potentially dangerous bacteria in ground beef and other cuts of meat. It exposes food to small amounts of radiation from X-ray machines or electron accelerators that penetrate and kill bacteria without raising the temperature.
Consumer groups are less certain benefits outweigh the risk to worker safety.
Meat companies are concerned about the cost of installing the equipment. More controversy over the regulations is likely to centre on the proposed labeling rules. The USDA wants to require that package labels contain the international symbol for radiation and a statement telling consumers the product was treated with irradiation. The symbol must be prominently placed on the package and the statement printed on the front of the label. Consumer and industry groups have until April 26 to offer their views on the proposed regulations.