Tyson Foods Position on "Cold Pasteurization";
Tyson Foods, Inc. believes that cold pasteurization (irradiation) has been scientifically proven to be a safe process, which dramatically reduces harmful bacteria in food products including poultry. Cold pasteurization can add valuable days to shelf life of refrigerated products, which improves the quality and safety of products delivered through existing distribution channels.
We caution however, that cold pasteurization is not a single source solution to safe food. We recognize that while reducing harmful bacteria, cold pasteurization also greatly reduces the number of competing (good) bacteria; therefore, we strongly advocate continued adherence to the HACCP principles, good manufacturing practices, standard sanitation operating procedures and other preventive programs to be used in conjunction with cold pasteurization.
We heartily encourage and are requesting that all government agencies work together to achieve common, if not identical, labeling requirements for all irradiated food products. We endorse clear communication to the consumer that the product has undergone "cold pasteurization" and feel strongly this can best be accomplished through information panels rather than "warning" labels. As consumer confidence and acceptance develops, labeling requirements should be made optional as it has for other technologies that have been proven to be totally safe.
We acknowledge and support the endorsements by such respected and qualified agencies as the World Health Organization, American Medical Association and the American Dietetic Association that cold pasteurization "enhances food safety and quality". We recognized the value these organizations have as a trusted source for consumer education and we hope our industry associations can assist them in publicizing their positions.
Tyson Foods only intends to offer "Irradiated" products as an alternative to some of our existing products for the benefit of those customer and consumers who make the informed decision to choose them. The long-term consumer demand and the ability of the market place to support the cost of this technology will be our, and we believe the industries, keys to future expansion.