The principal purpose of irradiation is to control (reduce the number of) pathogenic bacteria in fresh or frozen red meat and poultry to ensure the safety of these foods for human consumption. Irradiation significantly reduces the numbers of vegetative pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, or Yersinia enterocolitica.

The process also inactivates parasites such as Trichinella spiralis and Toxoplasma gondii.

The process may extend the shelf life of fresh red meat and poultry by reducing the numbers of viable, vegetative spoilage bacteria, such as Pseudomonas species.

Radiation processing of fresh and frozen red meat and poultry is a critical control point (CCP) of a Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) program. It serves as an important measure to control any residual risk from pathogenic microorganisms before the product reaches the consumer.

1.1 This practice outlines procedures for the irradiation of fresh or frozen meat and poultry.

Note 1—The Codex Alimentarius Commission defines meat as “the edible part of any mammal” and poultry as “any domesticated bird, including chicken, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea-fowls, or pigeons” (CAC/MISC 5).

Note 2—Current U.S. regulations limit the definition of livestock species to cattle, sheep, swine, goat, horse, mule, or other equine and poultry species to chicken, turkey, duck, goose, and guinea (2, 3).

1.2 This practice covers absorbed doses used for inactivation of parasites and reduction of bacterial load in fresh and frozen red meat and poultry. Such doses are typically less than 10 kGy.

1.3 This practice addresses irradiation of pre-packaged product for retail sale or for use as an ingredient in other products. It also addresses the in-line irradiation of unpackaged product.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.