As FDA considers new labeling requirements for irradiated foods, a recent consumer study shows that while nearly half of those surveyed accept the term irradiation, more of them (55%) preferred the terms "cold pasteurization" and "electronic pasteurization." The study was commissioned by the Food Marketing Institute in collaboration with the Grocery Manufacturers of America, National Restaurant Assn., and American Meat Institute.
Sixty percent of consumers said they would like to know more about the impact of irradiation on bacteria and nutrition. Nearly four in 10 parents say they are very likely to buy irradiated products for their children, while nearly one-third of all adults said they would buy irradiated products for themselves.
