Food Irradiation in the United States

Food irradiation has become a widely accepted practice around the world and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The FDA regulates all aspects of irradiation:  what products it can be used on, what dose can be used, and how those products are labeled.  The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for the inspection and monitoring of irradiated meat and poultry products and for the enforcement of FDA regulations concerning those products. 

The Radura Symbol

Since 1986, all irradiated products must carry the international symbol called a radura, which resembles a stylized flower.

	The Radura logo, used to show a food has been treated with ionizing radiation (international version).
	The Radura symbol, used to show a food has been treated with ionizing radiation (US FDA-version)

As part of its approval, the FDA requires that irradiated foods include labeling with either the statement “treated with radiation” or “treated by irradiation,” along with the Radura. In the USA, irradiation labeling requirements apply only to foods sold in stores.  For example, irradiated spices or fresh strawberries should be labeled.  Irradiation labeling does not apply to restaurant foods or processed foods.

Organizations That Support Food Irradiation

American Dietetic Association
American Council on Science and Health
American Medical Association
American Veterinary Medical Association
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Dept of Agriculture
Health Physics Society
International Atomic Energy Agency
International Food Information Council (IFIC)
Scientific Committee of the European Union
United Nations Food and Agriculture (FAO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
National Food Processors Association
New England Journal of Medicine
UK Institute of Food Science & Technology
Institute of Food Technologists
American Farm Bureau Federation
National Fisheries Institute
American Feed Industry Association
National Food Processors Association
American Meat Institute
National Meat Association
Animal Health Institute
National Pork Producers Council
Apple Processors Association
National Turkey Federation
Chocolate Manufacturers Association
Northwest Horticulture Association
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association
Produce Marketing Association
Food Distributors International
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
United Egg Producers
Millers' National Federation
United Egg Association
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association
National Confectioners' Association
Western Growers Association
Grocery Manufacturers of American

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