Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries. Click to learn more.

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.

List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Looking for CPG-focused digital transformation solutions? Download our editor-curated list from PACK EXPO featuring top companies offering warehouse management, ERP, digital twin, and MES software with supply chain visibility and analytics capabilities—all tailored specifically for CPG operations.
Download Now
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability
The road ahead for CPGs in 2025 and beyond—Packaging World editors review key findings from a survey of 88 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG readers.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability