-Caveat Lector- USDA approves irradiation of raw beef, pork, lamb Copyright © 1999 Nando Media Copyright © 1999 Associated Press By PHILIP BRASHER WASHINGTON (December 14, 1999 8:27 p.m. EST http://www.nandotimes.com) - Processors will be allowed to irradiate raw beef, pork and lamb to eliminate deadly bacteria and other organisms, but products will be required to carry labels informing shoppers of the treatment, the government said Tuesday. "While there is no single silver bullet to cure all food safety problems, irradiation has been shown to be both safe and effective," Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman said. Labels on irradiated products, including sausage made from irradiated beef or pork, will have to carry the international symbol of irradiation, known as a "radura," and a statement that they were treated. The symbol, colored green on a white background, depicts two leaves resting in a semicircle, with a green dot above it beneath a broken-lined semicircle. Irradiation, which already was approved for poultry, is the only known method to eliminate deadly E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in raw meat and also can significantly reduce levels of other pathogens, including listeria, salmonella and campylobacter. Irradiation had to be approved by both USDA, which is responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, and the Food and Drug Administration, which has authority over food additives. The FDA approved irradiation in 1997. The agencies are also being asked to include in the approved group ready- to-eat products such as hot dogs and luncheon meats. Irradiation is seldom used for poultry, but E. coli is more common in beef. Initially, irradiated meat is likely to be most popular with hospitals and nursing homes, because of the danger E. coli poses to patients with weakened immune systems, said Carol Tucker Foreman, a distinguished fellow with the Consumer Federation of America. "I don't expect you're going to get it for sale at McDonald's any time soon. It takes a while to build the facilities," she said. Several companies, including ConAgra Inc., one of the nation's biggest meatpackers, have said they plan to use irradiation. But processors say the government needs to undertake a public education campaign to convince consumers that irradiation is safe. "If consumers embrace the product, the industry is in the business of meeting consumer demand. And we will respond with more irradiated products," said J. Patrick Boyle, president of the American Meat Institute. E. coli O157 can cause serious illness and sometimes death, especially in children and the elderly. An estimated 73,480 people are infected every year, and about 600 cases are fatal, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tim Willard, a spokesman for the National Food Processors Association, said the USDA decision was "long overdue." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Steve Wingate California Director SKYWATCH INTERNATIONAL Anomalous Images and UFO Files http://www.anomalous-images.com DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
