Education Next Step for Irradiation, Says GMA

December 17, 1999

The Grocery Manufacturers of America says a "high-level consumer education campaign" is the most important next step in getting consumers to accept irradiation of the food supply. USDA has approved the irradiation of meat products.

That approval "gives us another important tool in our food safety arsenal," says Stacey Zawel, GMA vice president, scientific and regulatory policy. "The major task now for government agencies and the food industry is to provide fact-based, user friendly information on irradiation."

GMA is one of several organizations contributing to a new Food and Drug Administration consumer education brochure aimed at providing factual information about irradiation which reduces or eliminates harmful pathogens and other hazardous microorganisms from food.

A video tour of a food irradiation facility is available on GMA's web site at www.gmabrands.com