 991247 NFPA Calls Irradiation Rule “Long Overdue”December 17, 1999 Washington - A rule by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow the use of irradiation on red meat is “long overdue” according to the National Food Processors Association (NFPA). “It has been two years since the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the use of irradiation on red meat,” said Brian Folkerts, NFPA's Vice President of Government Affairs. “At that time, USDA promised prompt action to propose a rule enabling meat processors to begin using this important food safety tool. We are gratified that the Department has finally issued a rule, but it has been a long time coming.” Folkerts noted that “Food irradiation is a safe, simple and relatively inexpensive process which has been available since the 1950s to kill harmful pathogens in many foods and to enhance their shelf life. Scientific evidence strongly supports the safety of food irradiation, as well as the many benefits this technology offers for consumers and food companies alike. This final rule by USDA allowing the use of irradiation on red meat will benefit consumers by enabling food companies to offer irradiated meat products to their customers.” The safety and effectiveness of food irradiation has been extensively researched around the world, according to Folkerts. “Authoritative scientific bodies ranging from the World Health Organization to the American Medical Association, all agree with FDA that food irradiation presents no health risk,” he said. “More than 35 countries have approved irradiation as a safe food treatment technology.” In August, the NFPA-led Food Irradiation Coalition petitioned FDA to approve the use of irradiation for a variety of ready-to-eat meats, fruits and vegetables. Folkerts said that “NFPA also encourages USDA to study ways that irradiation can be applied to other meat products, such as hotdogs and coldcuts, to help ensure their safety. It is NFPA's hope that a growing number of irradiated products become available to consumers.”
|
