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Wegmans: Stop pushing irradiated meat!

Wegmans, a grocery store chain, has been lying to the public, saying that irradiated meat is safer, despite being reprimanded by the USDA last year for improperly telling consumers it was OK to eat undercooked irradiated meat.

In a recent store flyer Wegmans told customers that irradiated beef is “insurance against…E.coli.” The fact, however, is that irradiating meat does not kill all of the bacteria in it and that it still must be fully cooked. By claiming otherwise, Wegmans is irresponsibly putting their customers’ at risk for food borne illnesses.

Ask Wegmans to stop misinforming the public with claims that irradiation is a fail-safe method against E.coli.

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February 09, 2010

Subject:

Dear Ms. Burris:

I'm writing to express concern about the false statements you've recently been making about irradiated beef. Contrary to your comments in Wegmans June 21 circular, irradiated fresh ground beef is NOT 'insurance against that bad bug E.coli."

According to the USDA, irradiation may reduce the numbers of bacteria present in raw beef, but it does not make it sterile. Therefore, the Food Safety and Inspection Service advises consumers that all raw ground beef, including raw ground beef that has been irradiated, should be cooked to a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Telling your customers that this beef can be eaten 'any way you like it' is just plain false. Your misleading comments are encouraging poor food safety cooking practices that put consumers at risk for food borne illnesses.

Furthermore, food irradiation creates its own problems.  Recent studies have shown that irradiating food may promote cancer development, cause genetic damage, and deplete vitamins.  The bottom line is, consumers don't want irradiated meat no matter how you spin it.

For safety's sake, please stop lying to the public about the safety of undercooked irradiated beef.

Sincerely,

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