Irradiation of Animal Feed Approved by FDA

FDA Talk Paper 10apr01

FDA today approved a food additive petition for an irradiation process that can be used on all animal feed and feed ingredients, including pet treats, as a means of reducing the risk of Salmonella contamination. This procedure is intended to reduce the foodborne pathogens that may be present in these feeds.

Irradiation is a process whereby products are exposed to sources of ionizing radiation which cause chemical, not nuclear, changes similar to other conventional cooking or preservation methods. It has been approved for use on a variety of human foods. Extending this process to animal feed and feed ingredients will not only increase the safety of the feed for the animals consuming it, but to people who handle animal feed and feed ingredients. Irradiation is a useful tool for reducing disease risk.

Irradiation treatment compliments, but does not replace, the need for proper food handling practices in the production, processing, and handling of animal feed and pet foods including treats. Pet owners need to practice safe food handling practices after handling pet treats, including washing hands thoroughly in warm water and soap after any contact.

The petition was filed by Sterigenics International, of Fremont, California.

info@sterigenics.com
http://www.sterigenics.com/


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FDA Talk Papers are prepared by the Press Office to guide FDA personnel in responding with consistency and accuracy to questions from the public on subjects of current interest. Talk Papers are subject to change as more information becomes available.

source: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2001/ANS01074.html 5jun01


Company Info:

Sterilization and testing is an essential step in the manufacturing process within a number of markets for health, safety, regulatory and economic reasons.

IBA Medical Sterilization & Analytical Labs has been providing high-quality sterilization related services to the healthcare products market since our first facility opened in 1979.

We have maintained our leadership position by offering customers a variety of time-based, value-added services and consultatived programs. We have introduced innovative, state-of-the-art processing systems specifically designed to enhance operating efficiencies, improve turnaround and provide for greater processing flexibility, without sacrificing quality, consistency or reliability.


Company Background


IBA Medical Sterilization & Analytical Labs, a Division within the Sterilization & Ionization Business Unit of IBA, is comprised of the sterilization and laboratory service operations of SteriGenics International and Griffith Micro Science - each acquired by IBA in 1999.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, IBA Medical Sterilization & Analytical Labs operates an expanding network of 31 multi-technology service centers around the world, providing sterilization management and laboratory test services to the healthcare products market.

IBA Medical Sterilization & Analytical Labs is the largest provider of sterilization and laboratory services in the world, and the only company to offer expertise in gamma, EtO, e-beam and X-ray technologies. IBA's consultative approach extends far beyond the standard or traditional expectations to sterilization processing. From concept to market, customers can choose from a comprehensive selection of solutions-driven services - before, during and after the sterilization process - to ensure their product's velocity to market. With over 20 years experience, IBA Medical Sterilization & Analytical Labs is uniquely positioned to assist customers with the design, testing, production, supply chain management, and maintenance of sterile healthcare products.

source: http://www.sterigenics.com/pages/IBASI_who_are_we.htm  5jun01

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