It is no longer being maintained and may contain information that is out of date. You may find more current information on this topic in more recent issues of FDA Consumer or elsewhere on the FDA Website, by checking the site index or home page , or by searching the site. However, FDA has received written objections that it must evaluate before the rule can go into effect. Experts believe that up to 60 percent of poultry sold in the United States is contaminated with Salmonella, according to Joseph Madden, Ph.D., acting director of FDA's division of microbiology. Madden adds that studies suggest that all chicken may be contaminated with the Campylobacter organism.
People often become ill after eating contaminated poultry.
Symptoms may range from a simple stomachache to incapacitating stomach and intestinal disorders, occasionally resulting in death. As equipment used to irradiate food is regulated as a food additive, the FDA rule is the first step in permitting irradiation of poultry. However, although the U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon propose a companion rule finalizing guidelines for commercial irradiation of poultry, industry groups cite consumer apprehension as a drawback to implementing the procedure. And reaction to FDA's new rule has elicited more questions than answers. A Scary Word Irradiating food to prevent illness from food-borne bacteria is not a new concept.