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GROUPS IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

WHO WANT TO USE IRRADIATION

 

The following companies have already announced plans to sell irradiated beef or chicken:

  • IBP, Inc. (largest beef processor in the U.S.)
  • Excel (division of Cargill) (second largest beef processor in the U.S.)
  • Colorado Boxed Beef
  • Emmpak
  • Tyson Foods
  • Kraft
  • Wal-Mart

Note: Irradiated meat may already be in restaurants, schools and institutions: no label is required.

Some spices, herbal teas and supplements are already irradiated.

  
 

The following organizations are members of the "Food Irradiation Coalition". They signed a 1999 petition to the FDA that requested expanded uses for irradiation:

  • American Association of Meat Processors
  • American Bakers Association
  • American Meat Institute
  • American Spice Trade Association
  • Food Distributors International
  • Food Marketing Institute
  • Food Technology Services, Inc.
  • Grocery Manufacturers of America
  • Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils, Inc.
  • International Fresh Cut Produce Association
  • National Cattlemen's Beef Association
  • National Chicken Council
  • National Fisheries Institute
  • National Food Processors Association
  • National Meat Association
  • National Restaurant Association
  • Nebraska Food Processing Center
  • North American Meat Processors
  • Ozark Food Processors Association
  • Pacific Seafood Processors Association
  • Snack Food Association

These organizations speak for their member companies. You should assume that, for example, a supermarket company that is a member of the Grocery Manufacturers of America also wants to use irradiation (check with the company before making any definite claims, though). It is easy for retail companies to 'hide' behind these trade associations, and claim that they 'haven't decided whether or not to use irradiation.' This is the good cop/bad cop routine: the retailer acts like they are on the consumer's side, while the trade association pushes hard for irradiation in the background.

 
 

If you have any more information about companies that use irradiation, please let us know.