Interest in irradiation has grown since recent contamination scares, including last summer's recall of 25 million pounds of ground beef feared contaminated with E. coli bacteria, industry officials said. So that's contributed to our interest. It's another layer of protection. During irradiation, meat is subjected to low-level doses of gamma rays or electron beams. The U.S. Department of Agriculture in February approved irradiation of red meat as a way to curb food-borne illnesses.
Scientists agree the process is safe in food.
But antinuclear groups have opposed the procedure if it involves gamma rays, and some health advocates worry that using irradiation might reduce other safety techniques such as proper handling and plant sanitation. Even irradiated meat is subject to contamination if it is mishandled after treatment. While it has been used for years on limited amounts of produce, spices, poultry and other foods, none of the major food companies has stepped forward to market irradiated products. Only a few small retailers offer irradiated foods. But on a space mission last year, John Glenn and his fellow astronauts ate irradiated food.