USA: FDA increases dose of ionizing radiation to treat meat

Based on the data and studies submitted in the petition filed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) and other information in the Agency's files, FDA concludes that the proposed use of irradiation to provide for the safe use of a 4.5 kGy maximum dose of ionizing radiation to treat unrefrigerated (as well as refrigerated) uncooked meat, meat byproducts, and certain meat food products to reduce levels of foodborne pathogens and extend shelf-life is safe, and therefore the regulations in Sec. 179.26 should be amended.