Irradiation is little used and a lot misunderstood, but it can destroy the microorganisms responsible for food-borne illnesses and extend the shelf life of perishable foods. It is an FDA-regulated food preservation method using gamma radiation. It's currently used on foods such as spices, pork, poultry, and some fruits and vegetables. The FDA is considering approval for red meats. Research shows irradiation poses no concern to consumers.
Irradiation is one more safety precaution.
It also might have avoided the Hudson Foods recall of 25 million pounds of red meat, including hamburger patties, that may have been contaminated with E. coli , a microorganism that can cause illness and even death in those who consume it. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is alerting horse owners throughout Indiana about a potentially fatal horse disease that is affecting animals here and in Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Florida. Symptoms may include lack of coordination, wobbling or lameness not related to a specific cause, according to Sojka. Horses also may lose muscle mass for no apparent reason. Horses become infected with EPM through hay, pasture, grain or water that has been contaminated by possum feces, Sojka says.