Food irradiation for beef considered by Health Canada

Irradiation is used as a sterilization technique for medical supplies, food packaging materials and cosmetic ingredients. Health Canada is considering expanding its use to fresh and frozen ground beef. (Joe Skipper/Reuters)

Health Canada is thinking about allowing irradiation of ground beef.

The department announced the start of a consultation on a proposal that would allow irradiation of fresh and frozen ground beef to enhance food safety.

• FAQs: The foods irradiated in Canada and the safety issues

After a review, Health Canada officials determined that ground beef treated with irradiation is safe to eat and retains its nutritional value, taste, texture and appearance.

The department’s food directorate concluded there is sufficient data to support that irradiation reduces bacterial levels, such as E. coli O157:H7. Contamination with the microbe led to the largest beef recall in Canadian history after an outbreak at XL Foods in Brooks, Alta., in September 2012.

Irradiation also reduces the level of bacteria such as salmonella and Campylobacter. It can also prevent premature spoilage and increase a food’s shelf life. 

Irradiation is already approved in Canada to treat potatoes, onions, wheat, flour, spices and seasoning preparations.

Food irradiation involves bombarding food with ionizing radiation, such as the gamma rays or X-rays routinely used to sterilize medical and dental products, according to the U.S. FDA.

The technology is meant to complement, not replace, existing food safety processing, such as appropriate handling, sanitation and storage, the department said. 

Irradiated foods must be clearly labelled with a written description as well as the Radura symbol on the package itself or on sign next to it.

Health Canada had proposed to permit the sale of irradiated ground beef in 2002, but according to its website it was never finalized “due to mostly negative stakeholder reaction.”

Barbara Lee, director of Health Canada’s Bureau of Chemical Safety, told reporters that polling suggests public opinion may have shifted on irradiation as result of highly visible outbreaks. 

The consultation period for technical comments ends Sept.1.