STATEMENT Regarding USDA Release of Irradiation Guidelines by the NCBA

"NCBA welcomes the Secretary's announcement that USDA next week will release the final guidelines for irradiation of red meat. The beef industry has been urging USDA to finalize the rule for nearly two years.

"Irradiation is one more important tool the beef industry can use to ensure U.S. beef remains safer than ever. Irradiation has the potential to bring added-value to beef and beef products, which will benefit both consumers and producers. NCBA is pleased that a number of processors, including some that move a high volume of beef, already have shown interest in irradiation.

"While irradiation is a significant step forward, it is only one part of a multi-faceted approach to beef safety. NCBA will continue efforts to increase funding for food safety research, especially research on the E. coli pathogen. NCBA and industry partners in the Beef Industry Food Safety Council are implementing an action plan to better understand and ultimately prevent E. coli O157:H7 in beef by identifying new intervention technologies across the production line. NCBA also will continue to provide consumers the information they need to keep beef safe in their kitchens."

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Initiated in 1898, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association is the trade association of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry. NCBA is producer-directed but consumer-focused, with offices in Denver, Chicago and Washington D.C.