Vindicator, the country's first privately owned food irradiation facility, open. It loses 46 million in its first five years as food industry rejects irradiation. 1996- Hawaii state government behind push to build irradiator on Big Island. Inc. action prompts Dole to issue a statement saying they do not use irradiation. Massive recall of E.coli- contaminated beef reignites push for irradiation.
Media latches onto pro-irradiation stance.
US passes laws to reduce labeling requirements for irradiated foods, and gives FDA 60 days to approve beef irradiation. FDA approves beef radiation in record time.