The Society represents more than 42,000 microbiologists, including scientists and science administrators in academic, industrial and government institutions working in a variety of areas, including applied and environmental microbiology, food science, and medical microbiology.
Food irradiation is a safe and effective processing method for enhancing the safety of food.
Processing of food by irradiation should be approved for use on ingredients and finished food products where there is a clear benefit to safety. Although special labeling of irradiated foods is not scientifically based because irradiation is misclassified by rulemaking as a food additive, national uniformity of labeling should be maintained if labeling disclosure is required. While the current radiation disclosure statement conveys information to consumers in a truthful manner, the radura logo and accompanying statement may be often perceived as a warning statement by many consumers. Consumers would not be misled by the absence of radiation disclosure statements in the labeling of irradiated food since irradiation is already a proven, safe, and effective technology. With respect to foods containing irradiated ingredients, consumers are not misled by the absence of a radiation disclosure statement since irradiation is already a proven, safe, and effective technology.