GMA Publishes Food Irradiation Guide

WASHINGTON — The Grocery Manufacturers Association has published "Food Irradiation: A Guide for Consumers, Policy Makers and the Media," to better inform all stakeholders about the process.

The subject of food irradiation has been revived in the wake of recent recalls. In particular, recalls of ground meat have rekindled industry interest in food irradiation.

Convincing consumers the process is safe, however, remains a challenge and that in part is what this paper tackles, GMA said. Although the Food and Drug Administration has approved the irradiation of a number of foods, ramped up consumer education about the process is necessary, GMA concludes.

The guide offers a compilation of current scientific resources, and addresses the purpose of irradiation of various foods, underscoring that the process does not make foods radioactive. The process, the executive summary says, is safe and leaves food virtually unchanged.

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