FDA mulls alternative ways to say "irradiated" food
Date: 10-Oct-02
Country: USA
Irradiation, which has been endorsed by the World Health Organization, exposes food to low doses of electrons or gamma rays to destroy deadly microorganisms such as E. coli O157:H7 and salmonella. It has been approved by U.S. regulators for use with raw chicken and beef as well as spices and dried seasonings.
The FDA issued guidelines explaining how companies can petition the agency to use more neutral language on the label of food treated with irradiation.
American foodmakers have been slow to adopt the treatment for raw meat and poultry because of the cost of the equipment and worries about consumer acceptance.
Some green groups and environmentalists fear using high-energy radiation in food products could have harmful side effects for consumers.
Currently, foods treated with the technology must carry labels saying either "treated with irradiation" or "treated by radiation." They must also bear a special symbol, known as the radura, which consists of green petals in a broken circle.
Some food makers that want to use irradiation say consumers interpret the radura symbol and the word "irradiation" as a food safety warning. Critics say the industry is trying to use euphemisms to hide that their products were irradiated.
The six-year U.S. farm law, implemented in May, required the FDA to consider easing its labeling requirements.
In its industry guidelines, the FDA said any company can apply to revise its irradiation labels as long as the new label is not false or misleading.
In its petition, a food company must submit consumer research that shows a comprehension of the proposed label.
The FDA said it will either accept or deny the application within six months.
An FDA spokeswoman said the agency was expected to soon publish proposed changes to the current labeling requirements.
