Irradiation Q's and A's

• askFSIS : Find answers to questions on inspection-related policies, programs, systems, and procedures.
• FSIS Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff Question and Answer Guide on Irradiation as it pertains to labeling, ingredients, packaging material and procedural issues (Dec 20, 2001)

Consumer Publications

• Irradiation and Food Safety: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions | PDF | En Español
• Food Irradiation: What You Need to Know (FDA)
• Frequently Asked Questions: Irradiation of Food (CDC)

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Public Meeting on Low Dose Irradiation in Beef (Sep 18, 2008; Washington, DC)

• News Release (Sep 12, 2008)
• Meeting Agenda
• Federal Register Notice (Sep 8, 2008) | PDF
• Petition Submitted by the American Meat Institute (Jul 8, 2005; PDF Only)
• Meeting Transcript (PDF Only)
• PowerPoint Presentation | PDF

Notices and Directives; Guidance Documents

• Directive 7700.1 - Irradiation of Meat and Poultry Products Revision 1 (Apr 13, 2005; PDF Only)
• Guidance on the Procedures for Joint Food Safety and Inspection (FSIS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Approval of Ingredients and Sources of Radiation Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products
• Guidance on Ingredients and Sources of Radiation Used to Reduce Microorganisms on Carcasses, Ground Beef, and Beef Trimmings

Petitions to FSIS or the Food and Drug Administration

• Petition Submitted by the American Meat Institute (Jul 8, 2005; PDF Only)
• Ionizing Radiation as an Additive in Unrefrigerated, Refrigerated, and Frozen Poultry Products (Aug 19, 1999)
• Ionizing Radiation as an Additive in Unrefrigerated Meat Food Products (Aug 19, 1999)

Rulemaking/Federal Register

• Irradiation of Meat Food Products; Technical Correction (Jan 14, 2000) | PDF
• Food and Drug Administration, HHS: Food Irradiation Coalition c/o National Food Processors Association; Filing of Food Additive Petition, Docket 99F-5522 (Jan 5, 2000)
• Irradiation of Meat Food Products, Docket No. 97-076F (Dec 23, 1999) | PDF
• Food Ingredients and Sources of Radiation Listed or Approved for Use in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products (Dec 23, 1999) | PDF
  • Memorandum of Understanding Between FSIS and FDA Regarding the Listing or Approval of Food Ingredients and Sources of Radiation Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products
• Food and Drug Administration, HHS: United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service; Filing of Food Additive Petition, Docket 99F-5321 (Dec 22, 1999)
• Food and Drug Administration, HHS: United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service; Filing of Food Additive Petition, Docket 99F-5322 (Dec 21, 1999)
• Irradiation of Meat and Meat Products, Docket No. 97-076N, reopening of comment period (Jun 2, 1999)
• Irradiation of Meat and Poultry Products, Docket No. 97-076P (Feb 24, 1999) | PDF
  • Review of Risk Analysis Issues | PDF
• Food and Drug Administration, HHS: Irradiation in the Production, Processing, and Handling of Food: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking (Feb 17, 1999)| PDF

News Releases and Public Statements

• USDA Publishes Details of Irradiation Proposal (Feb 19, 1999)
• Statement by USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety on FDA Approval for Irradiation of Meat for Pathogen Control (Dec 2, 1997)

Backgrounders

• USDA Issues Final Rule on Meat and Poultry Irradiation (Dec 1999)
• USDA Issues Meat and Poultry Irradiation Proposal (Feb 1999)

Food Irradiation Resources

• National Agricultural Library, the official Gateway to Government Food Safety Information.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Irradiated Food and Packaging