Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this September
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE

Irradiated burgers welcomed

Introduced just in time for the grilling season, frozen hamburger patties from Huisken Meats, Chandler, MN, are a hit in the Upper Midwest.

Pw 18839 S Pw 0700 114

Unlike most such patties, these are irradiated via electron beam treatment. Sold under the Huisken and Taste Club brands, each 2-lb, 8-count carton contains two film-wrapped and sealed 4-packs. Hot sales since the mid-May launch in Minnesota’s Twin Cities encouraged Huisken to expand distribution into four neighboring states. That reception was not unexpected, says sales manager Cliff Albertson, considering the positive consumer response the firm received in prelaunch.

The cartoned and cased frozen patties are shipped to a facility in Sioux City, IA, for irradiation via a system from SureBeam Corp. (San Diego, CA). There, Albertson says, product can be unloaded, irradiated and reloaded within an hour. “The dose is extremely tightly controlled for maximum and minimum,” he adds. The products retail for up to $5.29, carrying about a 60¢ premium over Huisken’s nonirradiated burgers, he says.

Albertson notes that by printing “treated by irradiation” copy on all six carton panels, the package graphics exceed government requirements for irradiated foods. Yet, excepting a special emphasis on the back panel, the carton graphics seem to downplay the irradiated aspect. “Beef Patties” in letters 13/4’’ high on the front panel is accompanied by letters about 1/16’’ tall stating “Treated by irradiation.” The company makes hay on the back panel, however, with explanatory copy that states in part “To assure your safety and satisfaction with this package of beef patties, we’ve taken extra measures through the Surebeam (sic) process of ‘electron beam irradiation.’ This process helps eliminate food-borne pathogens.’’ The required radura symbol is accompanied by an optional SureBeam logo.

Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics
What's in store for CPGs in 2025 and beyond? <i>Packaging World</i> editors explore the survey responses from 118 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG <i>Packaging World</i> readers for its new Annual Outlook Report.
Download
Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce