How long has irradiation been used as a food safety technology? Who approved the use of irradiation and when?
FDA, in July 1985, and FSIS, in January 1986, issued rules to allow pork to be irradiated to control Trichina. In May 1990, FDA declared irradiation safe for use in poultry. In February 1992, FSIS issued a final rule for use of irradiation in raw packaged poultry. In December 1997, FDA determined that irradiation of raw meat is safe and in December 1999, FSIS issued a final rule to permit the use of irradiation to treat refrigerated or frozen raw meat and meat products. In 1999, FDA was petitioned by an industry coalition to allow the use of irradiation to treat ready-to-eat meat and poultry products to control Listeria monocytogenes. FDA is actively reviewing the petition and consulting with the petitioner.
