Food Irradiation for Pathogen Reduction
Current understanding
FDA regulation of ionizing radiation as a food additive for reducing pathogens (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella) in food substrates. Sterigenics U.S., LLC has filed a food additive petition proposing to amend 21 CFR Part 179 to permit ionizing radiation treatment of raw enriched wheat flour, following documented outbreaks tied to flour-borne pathogens. Effects on consumers (lower foodborne illness risk), millers/bakers (potential added processing costs), and food prices would depend on adoption rates and whether treated flour requires disclosure labeling; status is filed petition open for public comment.