For similar reasons, irradiation never took off for poultry, which has quietly had approval since 1992. One of the big packers has got to step to the plate. They would set the stage for the rest. The meat industry is searching for improved safety after last summer's recall of 25 million pounds of ground beef suspected of E. coli contamination. The federal Food and Drug Administration and numerous other researchers have found no evidence irradiation causes toxic changes or radioactive residue in meat or poultry.
Meat is also a prime source of the vitamin thiamin, which is highly sensitive to irradiation.
Researchers have documented losses of vitamins A, C, E and B in some irradiated foods, but supporters say a person eating a well-rounded diet would still get enough. Labeling and marketing problems also remain. FDA rules require all irradiated foods to be clearly noted as such and to include the green international radura symbol. Research presented at the conference indicates that when consumers believe irradiation makes food safer, they're more willing to buy it, even at higher prices. Community or activist opposition is another concern.