Washington - In a letter sent to President Clinton, the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) voiced concern about the U.S. Department of Agriculture's failure to issue a rulemaking allowing the use of irradiation on USDA-regulated beef products, and urged the Administration to take prompt action on this issue.
“December 20” marks the one-year anniversary of the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the use of irradiation on red meat,” said NFPA President and CEO John R. Cady in the letter, “However, despite statements from senior USDA officials that the Department would act promptly following this approval, USDA has not yet even started a rulemaking to allow the use of irradiation on red meat products.”
“Irradiation has been proven to be a safe and effective technology for combating foodborne pathogens such as E. coli 0157:H7,” Cady stated. “Its use can help ensure that U.S. consumers continue to enjoy the world's safest food supply. We urge the Administration to move promptly to address this matter, and issue a rulemaking to allow the use of irradiation on USDA-regulated beef products.”
Cady noted that “The Clinton Administration has taken a leadership role in advancing food safety in the United States. Efforts to advance the use of irradiation should be a centerpiece of your Administration's food safety activities; it is surprising, therefore, that USDA has not placed a higher priority on taking action to issue a rule that would allow its use on red meat.”
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
Return to Home Page