Perdue Farms, Inc., a large, East Coast chicken producer, says it has no plans to use the irradiation process. Steve McCauley, a company spokesman, said that the firm sees no need for decontaminating its poultry with irradiation because Perdue tests its products stringently. He claims this keeps them safe from contamination. The need is for consumer education. Although poultry groups say they do not have the resources for the costly campaign needed, they believe that once consumers understand more about food irradiation, they will demand it.
Proctor compares reaction to food irradiation to earlier apprehension about microwave ovens.
Once consumers recognized microwave cooking as safe, desire for fast and convenient food led to a microwave revolution. He said he could foresee the same demand for irradiated food, prompted by a desire to cut down on food-borne illness, once consumers are no longer afraid of the process.