FDA Proposes Loosened Irradiation Labeling

WASHINGTON—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to revise its labeling regulations applicable to foods (including dietary supplements) for which the agency has approved irradiation. According to the proposal, only those irradiated foods in which the irradiation causes a material change in the food, or a material change in the consequences that may result from the use of the food, must bear the logo and the term “irradiated,” as well as explicit language describing the change in the food or its conditions of use. By “material change”, FDA means a change in the organoleptic, nutritional or functional properties of a food (caused by irradiation) that the consumer could not identify at the point of purchase in the absence of appropriate labeling.

In addition, FDA is proposing to allow firms to petition for use of an alternative—other than “pasteurized”—to the term “irradiation”. FDA is proposing to allow firms to use the term “pasteurized” in lieu of “irradiated,” provided the product meets the criteria for use of “pasteurized”, per the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and the company gains the agency’s approval.

FDA contends these proposals will provide consumers with more information than the current regulation demands. Comments will be accepted until July 3, 2007. For more information and to submit comments, visit www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments.