WASHINGTON NEWS

USDA approves irradiation of meat
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture announced on Dec. 14 that it has approved use of irradiation of refrigerated or frozen raw meat and meat products to significantly reduce or eliminate Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other hazardous microorganisms. The rule, to be published in the Federal Register the week of Dec. 20, will take effect 60 days after publication. Irradiated products must still meet all other food safety requirements, including sanitation and pathogen redu…