FDA Wants to Eliminate Labeling of Irradiated Foods--

Letters Needed Before May 18

FDA Accepting Irradiation Labeling Comments
WASHINGTON (February 19, 1999) -- The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration here has began soliciting public
comment about whether changes are needed for federal
regulations requiring irradiated food to be labeled as such.

Currently, the FDA requires that retail packages or displays
of irradiated food include both the logo for irradiation and
astatement like "treated by irradiation," and that such
notices be prominently displayed. The FDA is asking whether
irradiation labeling should be less conspicuously displayed,
such as being included as part of a list of ingredients.
Pro-irradiation groups have argued against the necessity of
prominent labeling, or even the necessity of labeling, since
the process has been deemed safe. They see requiring overt
labeling as dissuading consumer acceptance of irradiated
foods. However, others argue prominent labeling is needed in
order to give shoppers a choice between products. The FDA
is accepting comments on the issue until May 18. --Joanna
Ramey

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments and supporting material to the
Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630
Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. YOU MUST INCLUDE:
Docket # 98N-1038, "Irradiation in the Production, Processing, and Handling of Food"

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia A. Hansen, Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-206), Food and Drug Administration,
200 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20204, 202-418-3093.