Canada Considers Irradiated Ground Beef to Improve Food Safety

Irradiation exposes food to low doses of ionizing radiation, typically gamma rays, to kill unwanted organisms and eliminate E.coli-related illness.

In order to kill E. coli, salmonella and other dangerous bacteria found in uncooked or poorly cooked beef, Canada is considering to allow the irradiation of raw ground beef, according to the health ministry.

The idea was first hatched in the late 1990s but was roundly rejected by consumers, and the regulatory process was never completed.

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‘The World Health Organization says irradiation offers a residue-free alternative to pesticides for preventing the importation of harmful insects on foods.’

Microbiologists renewed their push to expand the technology in 2013 after the largest meat recall in Canadian history, linked to an Alberta meat packaging plant, which made 18 people across the country sick.

Currently, irradiated onions, potatoes, wheat, flour and spices and seasonings are approved for sale in Canada.

Irradiation exposes foods to rays that kill bacteria and other micro-organisms.

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Critics say the process produces toxic compounds, such as benzene, and reduces the nutritional value of food, but proponents argue the effects on human health are negligible.

Any irradiated beef sold in Canada would need to be clearly labeled, said Health Canada.

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Source-AFP

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