The report says that, when accurate information is provided, consumers will accept and even pay premiums for irradiated meat. Studies have shown the safety and unaltered nutritive value of foods given low doses of gamma rays, X-rays or electrons. Two-thirds of supermarkets currently provide consumers with nutrient content data for beef and other meats, accoridng to a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey. The National Cattlemen's Beef Associaiton is working with retailers and state beef coundils to increase the availability of Nutri-Facts information to consumers purchasing beef and other meats. Other research has shown that fresh beef is by far the leading meat in supermarket sales.
Cattle alone account for more than half of the state's agricultural marketings.